The Psychologic Impact of Ostomy Surgery on Persons 50 Years of Age and Older

Abstract

There have been few studies on the psychologic effects and reactions to ostomy creation in persons older than 50 years. Eighty-nine patients with ostomies (42 female, 47 male) were evaluated to see how ostomy creation affected them. Six instruments were used to make these assessments: Surgery Preparedness Inventory, Surgical Adjustment Scale, Social Interaction Inventory, Self-Esteem Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Life Satisfaction Inventory-A. In addition to these six instruments, the participants in the study were asked to state their greatest concern. Older men and women showed similar patterns in surgical preparedness, adjustment to operation, and level of self-esteem. Men reported lower satisfaction with life than did women. Men also had more difficulty in social interactions than did women. Twice as many men as women reported mild to moderate depression. Older women reported poorer health status; if unmarried, they reported less satisfaction with life than younger or married women. More of those reporting good current health reported a positive adjustment to ostomy creation than did those who reported poor health. Those who did not feel hindered by their ostomies reported higher scores on well-being than did those who felt hindered. The more time that has passed after operation, the better patients felt. Four major concerns were reported: (1) concern with being able to care for themselves; (2) leakage from the pouch, odor, and gas noises; (3) other health problems; and (4) recurrence of cancer. Good current health and a sense of well-being are important to positive adjustment after ostomy creation. These areas would be well worth monitoring and should be promoted by the caregivers.