Experiences and coping with the altered body image in digestive stoma patients.
César Hueso-Montoro, Candela Bonill-de-Las-Nieves, Miriam Celdrán-Mañas and 3 others
PMID 27982309WHAT IT FOUND
Patients with cancer initially reject stoma news, viewing it as a threat to body integrity, while IBD patients accept it as relief.
Most eventually normalize the stoma, finding autonomy in self-care crucial, though fear of stigma and dependency on others for care remains a significant barrier to adaptation.
Key findings
01Cancer patients typically react to stoma news with rejection, whereas IBD patients view it as a way to improve quality of life and end suffering.
02Patients with temporary stomas cope better because they know the situation will be reversed, while those with permanent stomas experience greater distress.
03Achieving autonomy in self-care is a key factor in adaptation, with patients emphasizing the importance of not depending on anyone else to manage the stoma.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was conducted in a specific cultural context (Spain), which may limit the transferability of findings to other populations. The sample size was small (21 participants), though saturation was reported. The study relied on self-reported experiences, which may be subject to recall bias. Participants with cognitive deficits were excluded, so findings do not reflect the experiences of this group.
Declared interests
The study was supported by Fundación Progreso y Salud and Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía, Spain.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these themes as evidence that a specific intervention improves outcomes. This study describes patient experiences and coping mechanisms; it does not test the efficacy of any nursing or therapeutic strategy.