QUALITY OF LIFE OF OSTOMATES - A QUALITATIVE STUDY.

Facing a malignant disease, surgery and creation of an intestinal stoma is a complex process in anyone's life. Adjusting to a new way of life can be complicated, stressful and challenging for patients. With continued education from professional caregivers, the patient and/or family can avoid or mitigate adverse events and improve the quality of life of stoma carriers. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life of stoma patients and their relationship with health education in hospital in a qualitative way. The present study included 15 patients of both sexes older than 18 years and living with a stoma for at least one year after surgery. Patients were interviewed using a semi-structured interview, which was recorded. Transcripts were made and analyzed after the interview. A total of 6 women and 9 men aged between 40 and 86 years took part in the study. The results show that patients were very satisfied with health education they received in hospital, but their subjective experience of the quality of life was not satisfactory in all areas analyzed, such as travel and social life. Stoma has an impact on the participants' quality of life. High quality health education of patients by professionals, as well as family and social support play an important role in the lives of stoma patients. These are protective factors that improve the participants' quality of life.