Quality of life of adult individuals with intestinal stomas in Uganda: a cross sectional study
Date
2021-03-01Author
Ssewanyana, Yasin
Ssekitooleko, Badru
Suuna, Bashir
Bua, Emmanuel
Wadeya, Joseph
Makumbi, K Timothy
Ocen, William
Omona, Kizito
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Introduction: Intestinal stomas remain important life-saving surgical options in a wide range of gastrointestinal pathologies
globally. Living with a stoma has potential to impair the patient’s quality of life, often with associated negative psychological
effects.
Objective: To evaluate the quality of life among intestinal stoma patients under Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH),
with emphasis on psychological effects and effects on family-social interactions.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study carried out at surgical outpatient clinics of MNRH between January and June 2018.
Data was collected using Stoma-QOL questionnaire, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 from 51 participants who had lived with intestinal
stomas for at least a month.
Results: Of the 51 participants, male: female ratio was 4:1 and aged 18-84 years (mean age 44.04+18.47 years). 76.5% had
colostomy; 23.5% had ileostomy. Majority (88.2%) had temporary stomas. The overall mean Stoma-QOL score was 55.12+
17.04. Only about a quarter (24%) of participants had Stoma-QOL scores >70 (best). Most patients exhibited negative psychological effects (anxiety-100%, concerns about changed body image - 96.1% and depression - 88.4%).
Conclusion: Most participants had low levels of stoma-related quality of life, suffered negative psychological effects and
exhibited limited social interactions. This calls for efforts to support Stoma patients adapt better life.