study to identify the level of knowledge and self care performance of the colostomy patients and its effects on their quality of life

ABSTRACT

The impact of a stoma on a patients life is little discussed and is often underestimated, as well as the contribution of stoma therapy to health-related quality of life colostomy patients were dissatisfied with the information they received about the colostomy care, complications and lifestyle changes. Information and counseling for those patients appeared to be deficient and require continuous evaluation and revision. The study was carried out to determine the level of knowledge and self-care performance of the colostomy patients and its effect on their quality of life. The study was conducted in out patients unit at Institution of oncology and Gastro enterology Surgery Department at Messratta, Lypia. The study comprised 50 adult patients who performed colostomy and ileostomy within 3-6 months from the beginning of the operation. The study findings revealed that only half [54%] of subjects were trained about stoma care and 60% of them received oral instruction by doctors. As regards self-care performance the highest mean scores were obtained in performing irrigation and removal of old pouch, moreover a high significant difference was found between the patient's knowledge about self-care performance and the majority of quality of life domains. The study recommended that colostomy patients assessment of self care performance, knowledge and quality of life is needed, so specialist ostomy care nurses is particularly important during the first 3 to 6 months following surgery to improve patient's quality of life