Evaluation of the "life model" the problems that stoma patients faced at home

Evaluation Of The "Life Model" The Problems That Stoma Patients Faced At Home AIM: This study was performed as a descriptive study with the aim of evaluation of the "life model" of problems faced by stoma patients at home. MATEIAL-METHOD: The reasearch sample comprised 70 patients undergoing stoma opening at the General Surgery Clinics and Emergency Department of a hospital of the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Health, Istanbul county Anadtolia South Public Hospitals Association. The study data were collected using the Demographic Characteristics Form and the Daily Life Activities Form and the face to face method between 1. December 2013 and 20. July 2014. In addition to descriptive statistical methods (Frequency, Percentage, Mean, Standard deviation), Pearson Chi Square and Fisher Exact tests were used for comparison of categorical data. FINDINGS: The mean age of stoma patients was 57.1 ± 15,2 (21-87), and %50 were women, %77.1 were married and educational level of %87.1 was primary school. Furthermore, %70 of the patients had Colorectal cancer and %75.7 had temporary stomas. With the stoma, %64 of the patients' nutrition had normalized and %51 had fluid-food restriction, %54 had changed their clothing style, %62 had experienced leakage from the bag, %63 had skin problems, %70 had experienced psychological breakdown, and the sleep pattern of %64 had deteriorated. Dependency was another condition described. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Patients in the study were found to have encountered many problems due to the stoma. According to the obtained results, educational support to stoma patients and relatives is recommended. Key Words: Stoma, Daily Life Activities, stoma problems, Life Model.