Ostomy patient's quality of life: A qualitative study

Therapeutic procedures cure diseases and also affect quality of life. Therefore, we can measure quality of life in order to assess impacts of disease and therapeutic procedures. To identifying client problems, it is necessary to assess quality of life dimensions such as physical, spiritual, economic and social aspects. In this regard, researchers conducted a qualitative research to explore quality of life and its dimensions in ostomy patients referred to Iranian ostomy association. In this qualitative study, 14 patients were interviewed about their quality of life dimensions. Interviews were analyzed using content analysis method. The main themes emerging from this study included physical problems related to colostomy, colostomy and psychological conditions, colostomy and socio-familial relationships, colostomy and economic difficulties, colostomy and nutrition, colostomy and physical activity, colostomy and travel, colostomy and religious issues and colostomy, and sexual problems. The findings of the study showed challenges in quality of life of patients with ostomy. The results can be used by health care providers to create a supporting environment leading to promoting quality of life of patients.