QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER COLOSTOMY
Reviews of Progress, (September 2013)Abstract
Purpose:To assess and improve the quality of life in colostomy patients who underwent
colostomy due to various causes.
Materials and Methods: 112 patients with colostomy were identified and subjected for
this study for past 4 years in the Hospital Sultanah Nora Ismail, BatuPahat, Johor. Some
patients were identified from ward, some from surgical clinic and few patients were
identified through hospital record. The questionnaires were prepared by us and the study
was conducted. The patients who were identified from the record, were interviewed
through telephone.
Results: Following this study, we identified that most of the patients were depressed and
stressed .They were also found to be isolated in the family and facing multiple problems.
Some patients avoided certain type of food since the smell from the colostomy bag
created most of social problems. This study also identified some family members and
some people in the community who were also later counseled regarding the
responsibility of giving care to the colostomy patients.
Conclusion: This study finally identified some good solutions which will help others and
new colostomy patients to improve their quality of life and minimize their mental stress
and social problems.