Abstract
Objective: To identify factors associated with out-of-pocket expenses for stoma supplies and the sense of burden which they cause in ostomates.
Methods: The present study was a secondary analysis of a fact-finding survey conducted in 2017 by the incorporated NPO Stoma ImageUp Project and enrolling 3,000 ostomates nationwide. The patient demographics were descriptively analyzed. Chi-square test, residual analysis, φ coefficient, Cramer’s coefficient of association, and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify associated factors.
Results: The analysis enrolled 1,010 patients. Of these, 703（69.60%）had a permanent stoma. The most common type of stoma was the ileostomy, which 564（55.84%）patients had received. Stoma supplies most frequently cost < 5,000 yen for ≥ 1 item（40.40%）, followed by ≥ 5,000 < 10,000 yen（21.98%）and ≥ 10,000 < 15,000 yen（14.55%）. Temporary stoma use was identified as a factor associated with out-of-pocket expenses for stoma supplies. Factors associated with the sense of burden caused by the expenses were the use of a temporary stoma or two-piece system, sleep, diet, family relationships, and experience of others’ not understanding their condition.
Conclusion: The results indicated that support for patients with a temporary stoma should take into consideration the amount of out-of-pocket expenses for stoma supplies and the sense of burden which they cause. The results also suggested that support focusing on troubles experienced by the patients in daily life, such as those related to sleep, family relationships, and the perception of lack of understanding in others, can lead to reducing the sense of burden caused by the cost of stoma appliances.
