Evaluation of problems encountered in daily living activities by ındividuals with colostomy: use of the Visual Analog Scale

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Background: Colostomy is a surgical intervention that affects physical and psychological health and can cause difficulties in areas such as personal care, hygiene, nutrition, mobility, and social interactions. Purpose: To determine the severity of difficulties encountered in daily living activities by individuals with colostomy and to examine in which activities they experience the most difficulty. Methods: The research was conducted with 94 patients using a cross-sectional and descriptive design based on the Model of Living. Data were collected using the "Patient Identification Information Form" and the "Daily Living Activities Difficulty Level Assessment Form" In the first stage, the "Patient Identification Information Form" was administered to the patients, and the "Daily Living Activities Difficulty Level Assessment Form" was introduced. In the second stage, patients were contacted by telephone 15 days after discharge, and the difficulties they experienced in daily living activities were evaluated within the framework of the Daily Living Model using scores ranging from 0 to 10. Results: Patients experienced the most difficulty in areas such as excretion (8.0 ± 0.9) and anxieties about death and the future, quality of life, and meeting spiritual needs (7.0 ± 0.6), while activities with moderate difficulty were eating and drinking (4.0 ± 0.8), personal hygiene (6.0 ± 0.7), and sleep-rest (6.0 ± 0.5). The activities with the least difficulty were determined to be respiration (1.0 ± 0.4) and maintaining body temperature (2.0 ± 0.6). Patients with a higher level of education experienced less difficulty in sexual life activities. Single patients experienced less difficulty in providing a safe environment and engaging in work-leisure activities compared to married patients. Patients with temporary stomas reported experiencing less difficulty in eating and drinking activities compared to those with permanent stomas. Conclusion: The study found that the daily living activities of patients with colostomy are affected at different levels. These findings emphasize the importance of a holistic care approach addressing the physical and psychosocial needs of individuals with stomas. Future research should evaluate specific interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of these individuals.