Self-Care Experiences of Patients Who Have Recently Undergone Colostomy: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Aim: This study explored the postoperative self-care experiences of patients who underwent colostomy in Indonesia.

Design: A qualitative study with a cross-sectional and descriptive design.

Methods: Through purposive sampling, we enrolled 20 patients (men, n=14) who had undergone colostomy in Indonesia. In 2020, in-person interviews were conducted to collect data for content analysis.

Results: Content analysis revealed six themes: primary stressors, secondary stressors, coping style, family support, outcome expectations, and professional resources. Patients who have undergone colostomy often experience challenges (primary and secondary stressors) in fulfilling their self-care needs. They can overcome these challenges through personal coping strategies and family support. The patients also require that professional resources meet their expectations.

Patient or public contribution: This study highlights the real-life experiences of patients living with a colostomy in Indonesia. Their insights provide valuable information on the challenges they face and the coping strategies they use. By understanding their experiences, health-care professionals, policymakers, and the public can develop better support systems, educational programmes, and related resources to improve the quality of life for colostomy patients.