Quality of Life and Psychophysical Consequences in Individuals with Intestinal Stoma: An Observational Study

Roberto Lupo, Ivan Rubbi, Annunziata Barletta, Chiara Mele, Alessia Lezzi, Carmela Triglia, Ivan Botrugno, Damiano Manca, Oscar Potì, Giuseppina Mottillo, Mirna Tondo, Giuseppe Carbotta, Giuseppe Pietro Mingolla, Claudio Marra, Maria Rosaria Tumolo, Daniele Sergi, Giorgio De Nunzio, Donato Cascio, Stefano Botti, Luana Conte () and Elsa Vitale
Additional contact information
Roberto Lupo: Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Ivan Rubbi: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Annunziata Barletta: Strategic Management Staff Offices, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Chiara Mele: R.S.A. “Celestino Galluccio”, 73013 Galatina, Italy
Alessia Lezzi: National Cancer Association (ANT) Italia ONLUS Foundation Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Carmela Triglia: Orthopedics Ward, Ferrara Hospital, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Ivan Botrugno: Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Damiano Manca: Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Oscar Potì: Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Giuseppina Mottillo: Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Mirna Tondo: Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Giuseppe Carbotta: Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Giuseppe Pietro Mingolla: Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Claudio Marra: Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Maria Rosaria Tumolo: Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology Department, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Daniele Sergi: ‘Vito Fazzi’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Giorgio De Nunzio: Laboratory of Biomedical Physics and Environment, Department of Mathematics and Physics “E. De Giorgi”, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Donato Cascio: Department of Physics and Chemistry “E. Segrè”, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Stefano Botti: Hematology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Luana Conte: Advanced Data Analysis in Medicine (ADAM), Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research Applied to Medicine (DReAM), Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Elsa Vitale: Directorate of Health and Nursing Professions, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 9, 1-17

Abstract: Background. Living with a stoma entails profound changes in a person’s life, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Patients often face challenges related to body image, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. A stoma can impair quality of life, trigger feelings of shame and limit freedom of movement. Objectives. To assess the subjective perception of quality of life and related psychophysical consequences in individuals with an intestinal stoma. To evaluate the level of perceived support from healthcare professionals involved in the care pathway. Methods. This is a descriptive observational study conducted through the administration of an online questionnaire. The sample includes 189 adult patients with an intestinal stoma. Results. Data analysis revealed that participants aged ≥65 years and those with a permanent stoma reported higher quality of life scores compared to younger individuals or those with a temporary stoma. An inverse correlation emerged between quality of life and perceived stress ( p < 0.001); in particular, pain and social embarrassment were strongly associated with higher levels of stress. The enterostomal therapy nurse was identified as a key figure in the care pathway (70.4%). Conclusions. The findings highlight the need for person-centered care that addresses not only clinical aspects but also emotional and relational dimensions. Enhancing the role of trained professionals, such as enterostomal therapy nurses, and promoting targeted educational interventions may contribute to improving the quality of life in patients living with a stoma.

Keywords: intestinal stoma; quality of life; perceived stress; nursing support; enterostomal therapist (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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