The sexuality of a colostomized person as a major component of quality of life and nursing care

Abstract

The colostomized person's perceptions regarding sexuality and sexual activity is a major component of quality of life and nursing care, however due to several limitations, the questionnaire only approach, although validated for such applications, has not enough resolution, due to its qualitative approach, to capture more delicate aspects of the impact of an ostomy onto a otherwise healthy patient. In order to correct such bias, a exploratory-descriptive study of a qualitative approach based on Bardain’s content analysis was conducted.  80 colostomized participants were recruited from Stomatology Outpatient Clinics in the Hospital de Base, Regional Hospital of Asa Norte and the Regional Hospital of Gama, Distrito Federal, Brazil. Data was collected through a clinical and sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as an individual interview. The results are presented in five categories: self-concept, leakage issues, odor and gases, stigma, sexual activity and companionship. The analysis suggests that the fulfillment of nursing care ideals, through clear and objective communication, results in the colostomized person's care and can favor in the acceptance of their new way of living. The exchange of knowledge and practices between the colostomized patient and the medical care support crew, in special the nursing care, allows the establishment of strategies that contribute gradually to the full health care, promoting the improvement of the QoL of both the colostomized person as well his/her partner. It is concluded that health services should provide care process in health and nursing, with the purpose of guaranteeing means for the planning of a holistic implementation of health care. This planning should include the psychological support and the educational process that develops one's ability for self-care, which may interfere in the role of sexuality and sexual activity, in addition to the physiological, psychological and social issues.