Ostomy-related problems and their impact on quality of life of Saudi ostomate patients: A mixed-methods study

Aim and objective: The aim of this study is to explore the health-related quality of life outcomes and ostomy-related obstacles among patients with ostomy in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Negative effects on quality of life for patients following ostomy creation are a globally important health concern. Paucity of understanding factors that influenced quality of care after ostomy surgery hinders the ability of healthcare providers to offer appropriate care to improve patient's quality of care.

Methods: This mixed-methods study was undertaken through survey (COHQOL-Q Arabic version) for collecting the quantitative data (n = 421) and semi-structured interview for collecting qualitative data (n = 12). This study employed STROBE and GRAMMS checklists.

Results: Multiple health-related quality of life challenges was indicated by Saudi patients with intestinal stomas. Ostomy surgery interferes with religious practice in Muslim people, particularly obtaining Hajj worship and fasting for Ramadan. The overall QOL mean score was moderate level (M = 7.57) for ostomy patients in Saudi Arabia. The highest domain mean score was the social well-being (M = 7.84) and the lowest in the physical well-being (M = 7.18). Reshaping of religious practices, apprehension and adaptation to living with a stoma were the most common themes that participants discussed related to ostomy issues they experienced following ostomy surgery.

Conclusion: The study findings reported a greater understanding of challenges that patients with stoma experience in Saudi Arabia. The process of the adaptation and the change of their lifestyle also affects patient's quality of life. The healthcare providers can use the study results to create a supportive intervention strategy that needed for maximise QOL for people with stoma.

Relevance to clinical practice: This study identifies issues associated with stoma creation among Saudi people and can help in planning and providing the required nursing care which may support in the reduction of predictable problems. Recommendations for future studies related to nursing professional practice are indicated.