Determining The Effects of Nutrition on The Quality of Life of Patients with Stoma

Abstract

Aim: Living with a stoma is difficult for the patient. Most of the patients are discharged from the hospital with fear and problems loaded. The majority of their problems are related with nutrition. The aim of the study was to provide nutritional training to patients with a stoma and to determine the effect of stoma on quality of life. Subjects and methods: This study was conducted at a university hospital, Main Scientific Branch of General Surgery (Turkey), between May 2008 and June 2009. Approximately 31 patients participated in the study. However, 5 patients were excluded from the study due to various reasons. The investigator had developed a nutritional program. The nutritional program contains various issues such as, the following-up main and snack meals giving information by the aid of a nutrition training handbook and consultation services. Patients were also asked to fill a questionnaire related with the nutritional program and quality of life. Results: As stated, nearly more than half of the patients experienced a “flatulence” problem and therefore they were socially isolated. After three months of period, patients stated that they experienced a lesser degree of problems related with nutrition. The quality of life scores of patients with an ileostomy was found lower when compared to patients with a colostomy. Conclusion: We determined that problems related with nutrition in patients with a stoma were reduced at the end of the study by the nutrition program (p<0.05). We also determined an increase in the quality of life according to the postoperative term three months after surgery (p<0.05).