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Abstract
Background: Cancer treatment often necessitates surgical interventions, including stoma formation (colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy), which significantly impacts a patient's quality of life (QoL). Ostomized patients face a unique set of challenges encompassing physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects. While numerous studies have investigated these challenges, there is a lack of comprehensive research focusing on the QoL of cancer patients with stomas in India. Understanding the factors influencing the QoL of these patients is critical for developing interventions tailored to their needs. This study aims to evaluate the QoL of cancer patients with ostomies and identify key factors affecting their overall well-being.
Methods:Study Setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC), a leading tertiary cancer care facility in Varanasi, India, specializing in cancer treatment, including ostomy procedures. The study was conducted over three months, from March 1, 2021, to July 31, 2021.
Study Population: The study sample included 100 ostomates, both outpatient and inpatient, from MPMMCC. Participants were adults (18 years or older) who had undergone colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy and were willing to participate in the study. Individuals who were unwilling to participate were excluded.
Sampling Technique: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants. All eligible ostomates attending the outpatient and inpatient departments were invited to participate, ensuring diversity in terms of age, gender, and type of surgery. Informed consent was obtained from each participant.
Measures: The City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy (COH-QOL-O) questionnaire was used to assess the QoL of the participants. This validated tool evaluates QoL across four domains:
- Physical Health: Assesses the impact of the ostomy on physical functioning and health.
- Psychological Well-being: Measures emotional health, including anxiety, depression, and body image.
- Social Interactions: Evaluates the impact of ostomy on social relationships.
- Emotional Impact: Examines the emotional consequences of having a stoma, such as self-esteem and general emotional well-being.
Along with QoL assessment, demographic data such as age, sex, type of surgery, and duration of stoma were also recorded.
Data Collection Procedure: Data were collected through structured interviews conducted by a trained research assistant. The COH-QOL-O questionnaire was administered in a private setting to ensure comfort and confidentiality. In cases where participants could not complete the questionnaire independently, assistance was provided. Demographic data were also gathered through a separate form. The interviews lasted approximately 20-30 minutes.
Analytical Procedures: Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and medians) were used for summarizing demographic and QoL data. Inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests for categorical variables and ANOVA for continuous variables, were used to assess the impact of sociodemographic factors on QoL scores. Spearman's rank correlation was used to explore associations between continuous variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: The results indicated that QoL among cancer ostomates varied significantly based on sociodemographic factors. Patients who underwent emergency surgeries or had longer durations of stoma experienced significantly lower QoL, particularly in the psychological and social domains. Body image concerns, stoma care challenges, and social stigma were identified as major barriers to emotional and social well-being. Conversely, patients who received comprehensive care, including stoma education and psychological counseling, reported higher QoL scores. Physical challenges related to stoma maintenance and health complications were the primary contributors to lower QoL, while psychological issues such as anxiety and depression also played a critical role in patients' experiences.
Conclusions: This study highlights the significant impact of stoma formation on the QoL of cancer patients. It underscores the need for a holistic approach to care that addresses both the physical and psychological needs of ostomates. Improving stoma care education, providing psychological support, and addressing social stigma are essential for enhancing QoL. Healthcare providers, especially nurses and enterostomal therapists, should be trained to offer comprehensive care that includes not only stoma management but also emotional and social support. Further research is needed to explore interventions that can mitigate the negative effects of stoma surgery and improve the overall well-being of cancer ostomates.
Recommended Citation
Sharma, Dr Rajni and Kannojia, Pooja, "Quality of Life (QoL) Among Cancer Ostomized Patients – A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Cancer Centre" (2025). Research Symposium. 9.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/talks/9
Included in
Quality of Life (QoL) Among Cancer Ostomized Patients – A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Cancer Centre
Background: Cancer treatment often necessitates surgical interventions, including stoma formation (colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy), which significantly impacts a patient's quality of life (QoL). Ostomized patients face a unique set of challenges encompassing physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects. While numerous studies have investigated these challenges, there is a lack of comprehensive research focusing on the QoL of cancer patients with stomas in India. Understanding the factors influencing the QoL of these patients is critical for developing interventions tailored to their needs. This study aims to evaluate the QoL of cancer patients with ostomies and identify key factors affecting their overall well-being.
Methods:Study Setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC), a leading tertiary cancer care facility in Varanasi, India, specializing in cancer treatment, including ostomy procedures. The study was conducted over three months, from March 1, 2021, to July 31, 2021.
Study Population: The study sample included 100 ostomates, both outpatient and inpatient, from MPMMCC. Participants were adults (18 years or older) who had undergone colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy and were willing to participate in the study. Individuals who were unwilling to participate were excluded.
Sampling Technique: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants. All eligible ostomates attending the outpatient and inpatient departments were invited to participate, ensuring diversity in terms of age, gender, and type of surgery. Informed consent was obtained from each participant.
Measures: The City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy (COH-QOL-O) questionnaire was used to assess the QoL of the participants. This validated tool evaluates QoL across four domains:
- Physical Health: Assesses the impact of the ostomy on physical functioning and health.
- Psychological Well-being: Measures emotional health, including anxiety, depression, and body image.
- Social Interactions: Evaluates the impact of ostomy on social relationships.
- Emotional Impact: Examines the emotional consequences of having a stoma, such as self-esteem and general emotional well-being.
Along with QoL assessment, demographic data such as age, sex, type of surgery, and duration of stoma were also recorded.
Data Collection Procedure: Data were collected through structured interviews conducted by a trained research assistant. The COH-QOL-O questionnaire was administered in a private setting to ensure comfort and confidentiality. In cases where participants could not complete the questionnaire independently, assistance was provided. Demographic data were also gathered through a separate form. The interviews lasted approximately 20-30 minutes.
Analytical Procedures: Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and medians) were used for summarizing demographic and QoL data. Inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests for categorical variables and ANOVA for continuous variables, were used to assess the impact of sociodemographic factors on QoL scores. Spearman's rank correlation was used to explore associations between continuous variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: The results indicated that QoL among cancer ostomates varied significantly based on sociodemographic factors. Patients who underwent emergency surgeries or had longer durations of stoma experienced significantly lower QoL, particularly in the psychological and social domains. Body image concerns, stoma care challenges, and social stigma were identified as major barriers to emotional and social well-being. Conversely, patients who received comprehensive care, including stoma education and psychological counseling, reported higher QoL scores. Physical challenges related to stoma maintenance and health complications were the primary contributors to lower QoL, while psychological issues such as anxiety and depression also played a critical role in patients' experiences.
Conclusions: This study highlights the significant impact of stoma formation on the QoL of cancer patients. It underscores the need for a holistic approach to care that addresses both the physical and psychological needs of ostomates. Improving stoma care education, providing psychological support, and addressing social stigma are essential for enhancing QoL. Healthcare providers, especially nurses and enterostomal therapists, should be trained to offer comprehensive care that includes not only stoma management but also emotional and social support. Further research is needed to explore interventions that can mitigate the negative effects of stoma surgery and improve the overall well-being of cancer ostomates.
