Effects of Patients’ Adjustment to Intestinal Ostomy on Sleep Quality: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Living with an ostomy affects the individual in many ways. The aim of the present study was to examine ostomy adaptability, sleep quality, and associated factors in patients with intestinal ostomy. Method: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The study was carried out with 45 adult patients who could perform ostomy care on their own. Study data were collected using an information form, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, and the ostomy adjustment inventory. Obtained data were evaluated using descriptive statistical methods, variance analyses, student’s t-test, correlation and regression analysis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.0±17.7 years. Of them, 51% were male, 69% had a temporary ostomy, and 67% had a colostomy. The mean intestinal ostomy adjustment score of all patients was 47.1±13.9. The average sleep quality score of all patients was 7.8±4.1. Sleep quality scores between males and females were not significantly different (p=0.442). Ostomy adjustment inventory scores were 51.9±13.9 in women and 42.5±12.6 in men (p=0.023). Conclusion: In our study, we found that patients with intestinal ostomy showed moderate adjustment to the ostomy and had poor sleep quality. It was observed that female patients had better compliance than male patients, and those who did not have ostomy problems had better compliance than those who did. The results of the present study are important in that they reveal that the patients who adapt well to ostomy may also experience sleep problems.