Ssewanyana, YasinSsekitooleko, BadruSuuna, BashirBua, EmmanuelWadeya, JosephMakumbi, K TimothyOcen, WilliamOmona, Kizito2021-04-202021-04-202021-03-01Ssewanyana, Y., Ssekitooleko, B., Suuna, B., Bua, E., Wadeya, J., Makumbi, T.K., Ocen, W. and Omona, K., 2021. Quality of life of adult individuals with intestinal stomas in Uganda: a cross sectional study. African Health Sciences, 21(1), pp.427-36.1680-69051729-0503http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12280/2674Introduction: 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.enStomaQuality of Life (Stoma-QOL)Psychological effectsPatient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)Generalized Anxiety Questionnaire (GAD-7)Article