# Social and psychological effects of a stoma on the sexuality and self-image of patients

## TL;DR

Stoma surgery affects patients' quality of life, sexual health, and body image, with women and older adults facing greater challenges.

## Contribution

This study identifies specific psychosocial and sexual health challenges linked to stoma surgery and demographic factors influencing them.

## Key findings

- Participants reported significant issues with fatigue, emotional well-being, sexual interest, and body image.
- Women had lower global health status and greater concerns about partner satisfaction compared to men.
- Fatigue was significantly associated with age and gender, and nearly half of participants were dissatisfied with their body image.

## Abstract

Examining the psychosocial impact of stoma surgery on quality of life, sexual health, and body image, and analyzing demographic factors associated with these outcomes.

This cross-sectional study included 214 adults with a stoma. Validated instruments, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Colorectal Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-CR29), and the Sexual Health Module (EORTC QLQ-SH22), were used to assess quality of life, body image, and sexual function. Associations between demographic variables and patient-reported outcomes were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Participants reported considerable impairments with fatigue, emotional well-being, sexual interest, and body image. Global health status was significantly lower in women (p = 0.037); female participants also expressed significantly greater concerns regarding partner satisfaction (p = 0.027). Fatigue was significantly associated with age and gender (p = 0.032). Reduced sexual interest was reported by 36.9% of respondents, while 47.7% reported body image dissatisfaction.

Stoma surgery is associated with substantial psychosocial and sexual health challenges, particularly in women and older adults. These findings underline the need for tailored postoperative support focusing on emotional well-being, intimacy, and body image.