The Ostomy Life Study: the everyday challenges faced by people living with a stoma in a snapshot

Abstract

The aim of the Ostomy Life Study was to get a better understanding of the challenges that people living with a stoma face in their everyday livee. With more than 4000 participants from 11 countries, the study provides a wealth of information covering all age groups, stoma types, stoma products and a variety of cultures. The result shows that the majority of ostomates have issues related to leakage and ballooning which, among other things, have a negative effect on sleep, or lead to unplanned appliance changes for approximately 40% of the respondents. Two-piece users are concerned specifically about coupling failure and the associated consequences. The results can be used to provide guidance in everyday stoma care and in development of new products.