The Impact of Beauty Perception on Sexual Quality of Life in Women with Stoma: A Cross-Sectional Study

Women with a stoma may experience negative effects on their sexual quality of life and well-being due to significant changes in body image and perceptions of beauty. This study aimed to investigate the effect of beauty perception on the sexual quality of life of female stoma patients. This descriptive, cross-sectional, and predictive study was conducted between December 2023 and December 2024 in the general surgery department of a tertiary hospital. The sample consisted of 82 women with a stoma selected using purposive sampling and data were collected through telephone interviews. Data collection tools included the Beauty Subjective Numerical Assessment, Body Type (Somatotype), Body Image Scale, and Sexual Quality of Life Scale-Women. The findings showed that women's perceptions of beauty decreased after surgery. Women who preferred mesomorphic body types reported higher body image levels compared to those who preferred endomorphic and ectomorphic body types. However, body type preferences did not have a significant effect on sexual quality of life. Postoperative beauty perception was found to be associated with both body image and sexual quality of life. Furthermore, body image emerged as an important predictor of sexual quality of life. In conclusion, stoma surgery negatively affects women's perceptions of beauty and contributes to declines in body image and sexual quality of life. Psychosocial support and interventions aimed at improving body image should be integrated into postoperative care.