OBJECTIVES

The creation of an abdominal stoma for the discharge of bodily waste is a life-altering event. This study examined the quality of life (QoL) and wellbeing of those living in the Netherlands that have undergone ostomy surgery.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was developed to assess a random selection of post-surgical patients residing in the Netherlands. This study included questions from The City of Hope Ostomy Quality of Life Survey allowing an assessment of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Data was collected from 2127 respondents providing a margin of error of 2.1 percent and found to be highly reliable (Cronbach’s alpha 0.9157).

RESULTS

Fifty-five percent of the respondents were colostomates, 25% ileostomates, 17% urostomates, 2% have multiple stomas, and <1% did not know their stoma type. The respondents have an average age of 64.1 years, and an average time from surgery of 6.6 years. When responding to questions pertaining to specific QoL domains, on a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 equals best possible, Physical well-being was given an average rating of 7.65; Psychological well-being 7.19, Social well-being 6.86, and Spiritual well-being 5.85. Other aspects of the individuals’ life with a stoma were queried, including concerns with body image, skin irritation around their stoma, and issues with their skin barrier. 58% indicated they usually have some degree of irritated skin around their stoma and stated leakage under the barrier was the primary problem, with ballooning being the second most common problem (with the exception of urostomates).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study finds that the participants sampled, as a representation of the people with an ostomy in the Netherlands, enjoy a quality of life similar to that experienced in other countries. The study also found that on the whole, the respondents are well adjusted and knowledgeable regarding their stoma.