The process and pattern of colostomate’s self adjustment

Abstract

　１．Aim：To identify the process of self adjustment for a person with colostomy.
　２．Subjects：Fifteen cancer patients who had undergone colostomy surgery less than three years earlier.
　３．Method：The study design was quantitative and qualitative. The questionnaire was composed of demographic data, type of colostomy and Ostomate’s Self Adjustment Scale ver. 2（OSAS23）. We also serially interviewed the colostomate to determine their state of mind pre-, post-operation and after discharge.
　４．Results：Ten categories and one concept were extracted from the qualitative data about the process of self adjustment. The process of self adjustment consisted of “Acceptance of the therapeutic method of colostomy”, “Imaging of postoperative colostomy life”, “Anxiety regarding daily life and stoma management by his/her selves”, “Experience of daily life and stoma management, and acquisition of a new pattern”, “Confidence in colostomy life”, “Rebuilding daily life as a colostomate”, “Making an effort toward positive thinking about colostomy”, “Compromise with him/herself as a colostomate”. These patterns varied during the following stages；“Anxiety regarding daily life and stoma management by his/her selves”, “Experience of daily life and stoma management, and acquisition of a new pattern” and “Confidence in colostomy life”. Total score on OSAS 23 was significantly lower among colostomates who had to limit daily life activities due to experiences of stool leakage.