Self-Esteem in Individuals with Stoma: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: This investigation examined and analyzed the emotions, beliefs, and personal accounts of individuals regarding self-esteem following stoma surgery.
Methods: This qualitative study was based on Heidegger’s hermeneutical phenomenological approach. The methods used in this study involved 11 participants with intestinal stoma. The research form contains items that inquire about individuals' perceptions of their emotional state, cognitive processes, and personal experiences related to their self-esteem following stoma surgery, as well as the impact of this procedure on them. Van Manen’s thematic analysis was performed on the data. The COREQ checklist was employed for qualitative research reporting.
Results: The study involved 11 patients with a stoma (six females and five males. The ages of the participants ranged from 31 to 72 years. An examination of the data yielded two primary themes and seven subcategories: (1) Intermittent self and (2) Self-preservation.
Discussion and Conclusion: Adaptation to life with a stoma often involves individuals trying to preserve their self-esteem despite the negative impact of stoma surgery on their self-image. Patients with stoma have highlighted the significance of family, friends, and stoma therapy nurses in supporting their well-being and having beneficial experiences.

Keywords: Self-esteem; Stoma surgery; Surgical nursing; Qualitative research