Health related quality of life of patients living with ostomy in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To determine HRQOL of patients living with ostomy, correlated factors and average ostomy supplies cost per month. Methods: Cross-sectional study with questionnaires was carried out among 107 participants who were patients living with ostomy of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Self-administered individual factors questionnaire, WHOQOL-BREF-THAI questionnaire and ostomy appliances satisfaction questionnaire surveys were employed. Results: From 141 eligible patients approached, 107 agreed to participate (response rate was 75.9%). Cronbach’s alpha of the WHOQOL-BREF-THAI questionnaire was 0.883. The mean of overall HRQOL scores was 82.5 (SD = 11.0) out of 130 scores. It revealed that most participants had a moderate HRQOL level and were satisfied with ostomy appliances. Social relationships domain of WHOQOL-BREF-THAI had the highest amount of participants who had poor HRQOL level. Significant factors related to HRQOL were gender, age groups, BMI (obesity), marital status, payment scheme, financial status, skin disorders and underlying disease. The factors were not related to HRQOL were types of stoma, type of surgery, years since surgery, stoma site, leakage and having cancer. The mean cost of ostomy supplies per month per stoma was 1770 Baht (SD = 858.9). The one- piece ostomy appliance system had lower cost, better HRQOL scores and better ostomy appliances satisfaction scores. However, sample size was limited for the one-piece system (n = 4). Conclusion: Most Thai patients living with ostomy have moderate quality of life, have ability to adjust themselves well and were satisfied with their ostomy appliances. The compromise of social relationships is the major issue that healthcare professionals should address in this patient population. Ostomy supplies can be an important expense for patients.