Quality of Life in Patients over Age 65 after Intestinal Ostomy Creation as Treatment of Large Intestine Disease

Abstract

Introduction: For patients with severe intestinal diseases, ostomy surgery can be health-preserving and even lifesaving. Unfortunately, stoma creation also results in a morbidity that patients must manage. Utilization of the correct ostomy appliances is essential for the patient to regain full daily fitness. Patients also now have access to stoma clinics and fistula support groups where they can receive education and emotional support. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life of patients over 65 years of age with an intestinal stoma, created for treatment of severe colorectal disease. Material and methods: The study involved 100 patients (52 women, 48 men) over the age of 65 with an intestinal stoma. Demographic and medical information was collected. The patients completed diagnostic surveys using the SF-36v2 questionnaire and the author’s questionnaire. Results: Analysis demonstrated statistically significant relationships between the quality of life of the patient population and stressors of everyday life. Furthermore, there are statistically significant relationships between quality of life and demographic factors including age, marital status, place of residence, and education. Only gender was not a statistically significant factor. Conclusions: A lengthened time interval to intestinal stoma creation is associated with an improved quality of life as well as psychological and emotional acceptance of the intestinal stoma. Support relationships with loved ones is associated with the acceptance of an intestinal stoma. There is a relationship between acceptance of an intestinal stoma and demographic factors such as marital status, place of residence, and education. Gender did not show any significant relationship. Stoma complications are not related to the acceptance of an intestinal stoma.