Determining the perception of stigma of individuals with ostomies.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to determine the stigmatization perceived by individuals with intestinal ostomy to recognize these issues and assist them in the adjustment to having an ostomy.

METHODS

The study is descriptive and qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with a total of 14 individuals who were able to communicate, and had a permanent intestinal ostomy in the outpatient center of a university hospital. The content analysis method was used in data analysis.

RESULTS

Three main themes and seven subthemes were identified. The main themes were "perceived stigma", "changes in life" and "emotional responses". The majority of the patients experienced internalized stigma.

CONCLUSION

In this study, individuals with intestinal ostomies perceveid both internalized and experienced stigma. Negative feelings with perceived stigma restricted social lives, decreased relationships with relatives, neighbors, and friends, reduced the desire to go out and negatively affected body image and sexual life. Education programs can be organized to help them cope with this situation.