QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER COLOSTOMY

Purpose: To assess and improve the quality of life in colostomy patients who underwentcolostomy due to various causes.Materials and Methods: 112 patients with colostomy were identified and subjected forthis study for past 4 years in the Hospital Sultanah Nora Ismail, BatuPahat, Johor. Somepatients were identified from ward, some from surgical clinic and few patients wereidentified through hospital record. The questionnaires were prepared by us and the studywas conducted. The patients who were identified from the record, were interviewedthrough telephone.Results: Following this study, we identified that most of the patients were depressed andstressed .They were also found to be isolated in the family and facing multiple problems.Some patients avoided certain type of food since the smell from the colostomy bagcreated most of social problems. This study also identified some family members andsome people in the community who were also later counseled regarding theresponsibility of giving care to the colostomy patients.Conclusion: This study finally identified some good solutions which will help others andnew colostomy patients to improve their quality of life and minimize their mental stressand social problems.