Quality of life in patients with stomas

Abstract

Quality of life is theme that occupies attention of many authors from various areas, lately, because it is impossible to assess rehabilitation process without this aspect. Therefore the aim of our research is directing assess quality of life at patients with stoma through assessment of ability to achieve everyday activities and social parts achievement level. The study was conducted in Digestive Surgery Clinic; First Surgical Clinic in Belgrade, Department V, where patients were stationed in the time of research. Research period was 08.04.2010. till 17.07.2011. Sample contained 33 patients having colostomy or ileostomy in time of research. Quality of life was assessed through assessment of 11 categories of life habits and achievement satisfaction level. Standardized questionnaire „Assessment of life habits-Life H“ (Fougeyrollas, 1998) was used. Results indicated areas where our participants have lower achievement level and disharmony between life habits achievement level (objective) and Satisfaction with life habits achievement level (subjective). Examining demographic features that affect achieving life habits, we found age of patients significant, while gender and type of stoma showed no statistically significant differences. Considering how many people are forced to live with chronic diseases and consequences of medical procedures, quality of life assessment and possibility for its improvement are very significant. By assessing quality of life we also assess social function level, respectively level of social involvement of individual, in this case stoma patient in social environment which is basic task for current issue social disability model.