Lived Experiences of Iraqi Patients with Permanent Colostomy: A Phenomenological Study

Objectives: This qualitative research examines the diverse implications of having a lifelong colostomy on the quality of life of patients with a view to developing an understanding of their lives and problems on a daily basis. Methods: The study employed a phenomenological approach, whereby eight purposefully sampled permanent colostomy patients were interviewed from August to October 2023 via semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis was utilized to systematically analyze and interpret the data, providing rich insight into the physical, psychological, and social experiences of the patients. Results: Six core themes to quality of life were found through the analysis: physical functioning, psychological well-being, sexual and marital relationships, social relationships, religious practices, and issues related to stoma care. All of these themes have some subthemes, including stoma odor, changes in eating habits, depression, isolation from society, and the intricacies of performing religious duties. Conclusion: The results conclude the wide and profound impact of permanent colostomies on patients' lives. Having identified these issues, the research recommends better support systems within healthcare facilities, such as the inclusion of specialist stoma care nurses and personalized psychological counseling to enable a better quality of life among such patients. Moreover, the research emphasizes patient education and community sensitization to overcome stigma and promote more supportive environments for colostomy patients.