2004 Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 9-13
Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate natural disaster preparedness by the members of K-Ostomy Club.
Method: Samples were selected from K-Ostomy Club members, and a postal semi-structured survey was conducted under the ethical agreement. Data were collected anonymously, and return of the questionnaire served as consent to participate.
Result: A total of 211 samples out of 302 responded(response rate:69.9%).Average age was 68.5(SD 11.2,range 34~91)years old,and average years after surgery was 12.7(SD 10.1,range 0.4~66.8) years. One hundred fifty(71.1%) respondents prepared for natural disaster, and among them, forty three respondents prepared their stoma equipments and it specifications and a memorandum written their disabled identification card number, emergency contact information and hospital information. Sixteen respondents used only irrigation method. As other preparations, “emergency stock bag”, “stoma equipment stocks for 2 weeks or more”, “storage in various places”, “storage beside bed” were stated.
Conclusion: It is important to recommend that ostomates have plans for natural disaster.We should take actions to educate and built up a network of ostomates with the patient support group “K-Ostomy Club”.
