Quality of Life and Self Efficacy of Patients with Permanent Colostomy

Background: Colostomy means an artificial opening of the colon onto the abdominal surface. It may originate from: The sigmoid colon, the descending colon, the transverse colon or the ascending colon. The colostomy need care so that the patients can determine self-care to prevent complications. Aim: This study aimed to assess quality of life and self-efficacy of patients with permanent colostomy. Research Design A descriptive exploratory design was used in this study. Setting: The present study was conducted in the outpatient surgical clinic of El-Demerdash Surgical Hospital with a capacity of beds (27 beds), which is affiliated with Ain Shams University. The hospital's affiliation with the university ensures continuous advancements in medical education and research, contributing to the development of innovative surgical techniques and treatments. It was a teaching hospital equipped with 497 beds. Tools: Three tools were used Tool I. Patients` interviewing questionnaire, Tool II. The Stoma Quality of Life (S-QoL) and Tool III. Stoma Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: there was highly statistically significant positive correlation between total level of quality of life and total level of self-efficacy among the studied patients.at p. value <0. 001. Conclusion: Nearly two thirds of studied patients have low total QOL moreover, and more than half of them had low total self-efficacy. Recommendations: Provide ongoing education and support to patients and their caregivers on stoma care, coping strategies, dietary adjustments, and managing psychosocial challenges associated with living with a colostomy.