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Quality of Life and Psychophysical Consequences in Individuals with Intestinal Stoma: An Observational Study

Author

Listed:
  • Roberto Lupo

    (Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work as first author.)

  • Ivan Rubbi

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work as first author.)

  • Annunziata Barletta

    (Strategic Management Staff Offices, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Chiara Mele

    (R.S.A. “Celestino Galluccio”, 73013 Galatina, Italy)

  • Alessia Lezzi

    (National Cancer Association (ANT) Italia ONLUS Foundation Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Carmela Triglia

    (Orthopedics Ward, Ferrara Hospital, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Ivan Botrugno

    (Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Damiano Manca

    (Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Oscar Potì

    (Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Giuseppina Mottillo

    (Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Mirna Tondo

    (Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Carbotta

    (Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Pietro Mingolla

    (Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Claudio Marra

    (Department of Surgery, ‘San Giuseppe da Copertino’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Maria Rosaria Tumolo

    (Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology Department, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
    Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Daniele Sergi

    (‘Vito Fazzi’ Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Giorgio De Nunzio

    (Laboratory of Biomedical Physics and Environment, Department of Mathematics and Physics “E. De Giorgi”, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
    Advanced Data Analysis in Medicine (ADAM), Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research Applied to Medicine (DReAM), Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Donato Cascio

    (Department of Physics and Chemistry “E. Segrè”, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Stefano Botti

    (Hematology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy)

  • Luana Conte

    (Advanced Data Analysis in Medicine (ADAM), Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research Applied to Medicine (DReAM), Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, 73100 Lecce, Italy
    Department of Physics and Chemistry “E. Segrè”, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work as last author.)

  • Elsa Vitale

    (Directorate of Health and Nursing Professions, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Bari, 70100 Bari, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work as last author.)

Abstract

Background. Living with a stoma entails profound changes in a person’s life, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Patients often face challenges related to body image, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. A stoma can impair quality of life, trigger feelings of shame and limit freedom of movement. Objectives. To assess the subjective perception of quality of life and related psychophysical consequences in individuals with an intestinal stoma. To evaluate the level of perceived support from healthcare professionals involved in the care pathway. Methods. This is a descriptive observational study conducted through the administration of an online questionnaire. The sample includes 189 adult patients with an intestinal stoma. Results. Data analysis revealed that participants aged ≥65 years and those with a permanent stoma reported higher quality of life scores compared to younger individuals or those with a temporary stoma. An inverse correlation emerged between quality of life and perceived stress ( p < 0.001); in particular, pain and social embarrassment were strongly associated with higher levels of stress. The enterostomal therapy nurse was identified as a key figure in the care pathway (70.4%). Conclusions. The findings highlight the need for person-centered care that addresses not only clinical aspects but also emotional and relational dimensions. Enhancing the role of trained professionals, such as enterostomal therapy nurses, and promoting targeted educational interventions may contribute to improving the quality of life in patients living with a stoma.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Lupo & Ivan Rubbi & Annunziata Barletta & Chiara Mele & Alessia Lezzi & Carmela Triglia & Ivan Botrugno & Damiano Manca & Oscar Potì & Giuseppina Mottillo & Mirna Tondo & Giuseppe Carbotta & G, 2025. "Quality of Life and Psychophysical Consequences in Individuals with Intestinal Stoma: An Observational Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(9), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:9:p:1327-:d:1733165
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