Article: Determining the perception of stigma of individuals with ostomies
Year Published: July 2025
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Alyssa Mendoza
ReplyDeleteDiscuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
The study looked at how people with permanent ostomies feel about the stigma behind having one. The article demonstrates that individuals with ostomies were feeling judged, different, or looked down on. The research focused on the how individuals with ostomies see themselves after surgery, how they think others see them, and the adjustments made into their everyday lifestyle. Secondary to negative body image, they tended to avoid social interactions even with close friends. In the article, it was suggested that education and support programs could help patients cope better and feel more comfortable living with an ostomy.
How does this research article compare to our practice, policy and/or procedure?
This research article compares to our practice in many ways. On 7NE, there are many patients who come into the hospital to have surgery and end up with an ostomy, sometimes unexpectedly. No matter the case, the patient is in a position to where adjustments need to be made in their life. Such as being aware that they will no longer have a bowel movement regularly through the rectum, having to monitor the ostomy bag output, emptying the bag and having to change the ostomy bag every 3 days or as needed. Often times, self body image is affected and patients are overwhelmed with feeling “different”. The hospital is very good at providing support to these patients through communication with nurses, having education from the wound ostomy nurses and emotional support from spiritual care.
1. How does this research article compare to our practices, policy, and/or procedure.
ReplyDeleteIt is important for you to seek the resources needed to understand and work through the emotional impact related to ostomy surgery. It can be very helpful to have someone affirm your emotional concerns as you adapt to life with an ostomy. Most will find their path to acceptance as they physically begin to feel better and become comfortable with the care of their ostomy, and adaptation process. At Saint Josephs we offered social worker and spiritual services. Our practice doesn’t require an order from the doctor. As nurses, we need to advocate for our patients.
2. Describe the method used by the author of the study.
The method used descriptive and qualitative study was conducted in the outpatient center between July 2018-December 2018.
Discuss the sample size used in the study.
ReplyDeleteThis study was carried out at a university hospital outpatient center between July and December 2018. The researchers used a qualitative descriptive design and conducted in-depth interviews with 14 people who had permanent intestinal ostomies to understand their experiences. They continued interviewing participants until they reached data saturation.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
The study set out to understand the kinds of stigma people with ostomies face, focusing on both internalized stigma and experienced stigma. By exploring these perceptions, the researchers hoped to find ways to better support individuals as they adjust to life with an ostomy and work toward improving overall well-being.
The results showed that many participants struggled with both types of stigma, which took a toll on their social lives, body image, and emotional health. Some described isolating themselves, avoiding social events, or feeling embarrassed about their condition. These findings point to the importance of healthcare providers addressing stigma directly and offering support that goes beyond medical, covering emotional and social needs as well.
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ReplyDelete1. Discuss the sample size used in the study.
ReplyDelete- This study was carried out at a university hospital outpatient center between July and December 2018. The researchers used a qualitative descriptive design and conducted in-depth interviews with 14 people who had permanent intestinal ostomies to understand their experiences. most of the patients were female and in the study all the patients were married. The study was not limited and was continued until they have saturated their data with enough information
2.Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
- 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. The results showed that many participants struggled with both types of stigma, which took a toll on their social lives, body image, and emotional health. Some described isolating themselves, avoiding social events, or feeling embarrassed about their condition.
Discuss the sample size used in the study.
ReplyDeleteThe university hospital carried out the study between July and December 2018. The 14 participants in the interview, mostly females, continued to participate until they reached saturation using descriptive qualitative design with permanent intestinal ostomies that gave better understanding to their experience.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
The main problem is the stigma of people with ostomy face. Researchers are hoping to address ways to support these individuals to find a better support and life balance with ostomy, helping them cope with the stigma and the toll the social norm imposes on them beyond their medical conditions.
Discuss the sample size used in the study.
DeleteThe university hospital carried out the study between July and December 2018. Only those who had ostomy was included on the group. The 14 participants in the interview, mostly females, continued to participate until they reached saturation using descriptive qualitative design with permanent intestinal ostomies that gave better understanding to their experience.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
The main problem is the stigma of people with ostomy face. Researchers are hoping to address ways to support these individuals to find a better support and life balance with ostomy, helping them cope with the stigma and the toll the social norm imposes on them beyond their medical conditions. Therefore as nurses, our role is to aid in providing education on the management, understanding diagnosis, available resources and support to help with their coping and involving of family in the care with individuals with ostomy.
Describe the method used by the author in this study ?
ReplyDeleteThis research paper looked at a detailed study involving 19 patients who have an ostomy. In another study with seven patients who had a temporary ostomy, the patients mentioned that they were worried about sharing their experience with others and facing negative judgments. This detailed study took place at a university hospital's outpatient center from July 2018 to December 2018. The researchers carefully picked a group of patients to understand their feelings about their ostomy both soon after surgery and later on. The people involved in the study were interviewed at least two months after their surgery. Only those who had intestinal ostomies were included in this group. The patients talked to a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse before and after their surgery. Following hospital rules, patients with intestinal ostomies had follow-up appointments at the clinic during the first week, on the 15th day, during the third month, the sixth month, and the twelfth month after they left the hospital, where the WOC nurse checked on them.
Discuss the research question or main problem of the study.
The article goes in detail about stigma which is defined as "discriminating one person from others, disregarding one person from other people, seeing them in the community”. Individuals with ostomies are at risk for negative stereotypes which can cause worthlessness and shame. The focus of this article is to research and provide help and assistance while they adjust to the idea of having an ostomy.
The research question of this study is focusing on society's attitudes towards individuals with an ostomy and how stigma affects individuals with an ostomy.
1. How does this research article compare to our practices, policy, and/or procedure.
DeleteIn this qualitative research, the authors emphasized the prejudice that exists among people who have gone to surgical ostomies. The authors also mentioned how negatively impacted the life of these individuals. According to the article, the stigma that society has placed in these individuals has affected them negatively. For instance, some of them struggle with depression, anxiety and low self-steam. The article explained that this study was conducted with 14 individuals who had gone to surgical treatment for colon cancer or ovarian cancer. Some of the participants in the study expressed how family members were disturbed with their body image and the odors that this type of ostomy causes. Ostomies are very invasive procedure, but also necessary for the individuals’ health. At Saint Josehp Medical center, our practices are to educate our patients and family with this type of invasive procedures. The question to arise is if patients and family are ready or prepare to this type of procedure. Alos our practices when nurses assess any type of negative emotions our policy is to call spiritual care or case managers to advocate for patient who might need more support when the go to this time of procedure like ostomies.
2. What the advantage and disadvantage to the propose recommendations in the article?
The article mentioned the specific time frame of this study. It was conducted for five months with a total of fourteen individuals. The advantage is that the study mentioned with detail the diversity of the group of people with ostomy. The possible advantage is that the sample was small. The researchers were able to follow every detail or the study. For example, they expressed how many activities changed due to the body image and the shame that they felt having an ostomy. The article did mention that only six individuals were able to express the prejudice that society placed over the ostomy that they experienced. On the other hand, eight individuals internalized their feelings towards their ostomies process. The disadvantage is that eight individuals in the sample were unable to measure their input. Eight individuals are more than fifty percent of the sample that gives a disadvantage in the results. The characteristics and variables affect this qualitative research. The limitations considered through the study as the article mentions is that internalization not expressed for some individuals will questions the sample sized.
Discuss the sample size used in the study.
ReplyDeleteA qualitative study with 19 patients with an ostomy reported embarrassment by the presence of the ostomy, due to effects of odor, flatulence, and visual body changes. In another study, a total of 65 patients were asked about their feelings regarding their permanent ostomy vs temporary ostomy. 23 patients with permanent ostomies have been found to have more feelings of guilt than the 42 patients with temporary ostomies. Another study in China revealed that out of 209 patients with ostomies, 44% experienced high levels of stigma associated with their ostomy.
How does this research article compare to our practice, policy and/or procedure?
Here at our ministry, we often have patients with ongoing or new ostomy placements. It is important to address the patient's holistic needs which includes overcoming the ostomy stigma. The article noted that individuals with ostomies face psychosocial problems that can include anxiety, depression, low body image, lack of self confidence, decreased social interaction, loneliness, and hopelessness. Therefore, as nurses, it is important to address these psychosocial problems which can in turn facilitate the acceptance of their ostomy and their perception of diagnosis. It is important to note as the article mentioned that positive influences such as strengthening family ties and increasing their gratitude behavior helps aid in the reintegration with the social environment with individuals with an ostomy.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
ReplyDeleteThe study explored the feelings of individuals with permanent ostomies concerning the stigma associated with them. It revealed that those with ostomies often felt judged, different, or undervalued. The research concentrated on their self-perception post-surgery, their thoughts on how others perceive them, and the lifestyle changes they adopt. Due to a negative body image, they frequently avoided social situations, even with close friends. The article suggested that educational and support initiatives could enhance coping mechanisms and help these individuals live more comfortably with an ostomy.
What the advantage and disadvantage to the propose recommendations in the article?
The study was conducted over five months and included fourteen participants. An advantage was the detailed attention to the diversity within the group, enabling the researchers to closely monitor changes in activities due to altered body image and feelings of shame related to having an ostomy. However, a potential drawback was the small sample size. While this allowed for in-depth tracking, only six participants openly discussed societal prejudice they faced due to their ostomies. In contrast, eight individuals internalized their feelings, impacting the ability to gauge their input accurately. This represents over half the sample, presenting a disadvantage in the study’s outcomes. The characteristics and variables in this qualitative research posed challenges, and the article highlighted that the unexpressed internalization by some participants raises questions about the adequacy of the sample size.
1.What are the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed recommendations in the article?
DeleteAdvantages includes:
Enhanced Patient Support: Implementing education programs can help patients cope with stigma and improve their quality of life.
Increased Awareness: Raising awareness among healthcare providers and the public can reduce stigma and promote inclusivity.
Disadvantages includes:
Resource Intensive: Developing and delivering educational programs requires time, funding, and trained personnel.
Resistance to Change: There may be challenges in changing established attitudes and practices within healthcare settings.
2.Discuss the sample size used in the study?
The study included 14 participants, which is appropriate for qualitative research focused on in-depth exploration of experiences. The small sample allowed detailed interviews, and data saturation was achieved, meaning no new themes emerged. However, because the sample was limited and from a single site, the findings may not be generalizable to all ostomy patients.
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages to the proposed recommendations in the article?
ReplyDeleteThe advantages of these recommendations are that they can reduce feelings of shame, improve coping with odor or leakage, and strengthen family relationships. Such interventions may also increase confidence, reduce social isolation, and improve overall quality of life. They are practical because they can be integrated into existing follow-up care by wound nurses. However, disadvantages include limited resources, cultural barriers, and possible resistance from patients who feel embarrassed discussing their condition. Implementing structured programs may also require extra time, training, and funding.
2. Describe the method used by the author of the study.
The authors used a qualitative study design to understand stigma in people with ostomies. They interviewed 14 patients at a university hospital who had permanent intestinal ostomies. The interviews lasted about 25–45 minutes and were recorded with permission. Patients were at least two months after surgery, and interviews stopped when no new information came up. The researchers wrote out the interviews word for word and looked for common themes. All patients gave consent, and the study had ethics approval.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
ReplyDeleteThe researcher wanted to know how individuals with an intestinal ostomy perceive the attitudes of society towards them. As well as how the stigmas and social attitudes affect individuals with intestinal ostomies. The researcher also wanted to recognize these issues and find ways to help individuals with intestinal ostomies cope with having them.
Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias.
The sample size was very small, including 14 participants, this affects generalizability. The majority of participants were women, in terms of gender, it would be appreciated if the sample size was equal male and female. Participants had very different lengths of time with the ostomies making it hard to determine the effect of time and adaptability skills of the participants.
Describe the method used by the author of the study:
ReplyDeleteThe authors of the study used a descriptive and qualitative method for this study. They interviewed 14 people who had permanent ostomies at an outpatient center between July 2018 and December 2018. Patients who met the sampling criteria were identified at regular post surgical follow-up. Interviews were conducted with open ended research questions in mind regarding societal attitudes toward ostomies according to the patient, and how stigma affects them.
Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias: The biggest limitation to this study was sample size. A total of 14 Turkish individuals with permanent ostomies were interviewed regarding perceptions of social stigma and how this perceived stigma affects their lives, with 10 out of the 14 subjects female. In addition, all subjects were married so had some inherent family structure. It would be interesting to widen this study to a larger, more evenly divided group that included subjects who lived alone and might have to rely on those outside of the family structure.
ReplyDelete1. Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
ReplyDeleteIn this article, it talks about understanding the negative beliefs of people to individuals with ostomies.
Although, ostomies are essential treatment for some conditions, it can greatly affect individuals physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually.
The participants in this research felt a big change in their lives after having ostomies, it may be permanent or temporary.
Three negative life changes this individuals have experienced are social isolation, change in body image and negative effects in sexual life.
While some participants felt strengthened family ties and increased gratitude.
Eliminating this stigma should start in individuals with ostomy. Early education is a big step to stop this stigma.
2. Discuss the limitations of the article: limited sample size, design flaws, and/or author bias
In this study, the participants are only 14. Most of them are women. I think if there is an equal amount of men and women, it will give more data on the effects of ostomy. Also, the age group are from older adult to elderly. In this days, we see a lot of ostomies to younger age group. Expanding the characteristic of the participants will give a better view of the perception of stigma of individuals with ostomies.
Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
ReplyDeleteThe article aims to find the negative perceptions that are often perceived by people with ostomies and to address the issues that are identified. This article discusses both experienced stigma and internalized stigma that can occur to individuals with ostomies. This stigma affects many aspects of the individual’s life such as work or even in their personal/social life. Individuals with an ostomy may experience problems such as stool leakage from the ostomy bag which can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Some of the themes that were identified as being part of the stigma with ostomies are the following, restriction of social life, changes in body image, and negative effects of sexual life. The article also discusses some of the positive effects that some patients have experienced such as strengthening family ties and social support. As healthcare providers it is important to be aware of this stigma in order to be able to provide care and support to patients with ostomies.
How does this research article compare to our practice, policy and/or procedure?
The need for an ostomy to be put in place whether it is permanent or temporary it definitely life altering. The individuals with new ostomies now have to learn to change and care for their ostomy. At our ministry both the primary nurse and the wound care nurse are available to provided education to patients regarding the cleaning and changing of their ostomy bag so that the patient will be confident in doing that for his/herself. There have been occasions when patients are not very receptive to the teaching because he/she is so shocked by the change that he/she will refuse to look at the ostomy site. Nurses can provide emotional support for this patient population during this period in which a patient may be feeling vulnerable. If there is family at bedside it is also great to provide the family with education regarding the care of the ostomy so that the patient will have that support at home.
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ReplyDelete1). What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the article recommendations on your unit and/or hospital?
ReplyDeleteImplementing the article’s recommendations on my unit would greatly benefit patients by reducing stigma, improving mental health, and enhancing overall quality of care through education, family involvement, and support from WOC nurses. Hospitals could also see improved patient satisfaction and potentially fewer readmissions. However, these initiatives require additional resources, including trained staff, time, and funding, and may increase workload for nurses. Some patients may be hesitant to discuss sensitive topics, and not all may have equal access to the support offered. Overall, the benefits outweigh the challenges, but careful planning and phased implementation would be needed to make the program sustainable.
2). How does this research article compare to our practice, policy and/or procedure?
Currently, hospital practice and policy often focus on the physical care of ostomies, such as teaching pouching techniques and preventing complications, but they may not consistently address the emotional and social challenges patients face. The research article emphasizes the need to also screen for stigma, involve families, and provide holistic support through WOC nurse–led programs. Compared to standard practice, the article highlights a gap in addressing psychosocial needs and suggests expanding policies to provide more person-centered, stigma-sensitive care
1. Discuss the research question or main problem discussed in the study?
ReplyDeleteThe research question aims to explore the stigmatization perceived by individuals with intestinal ostomy by recognizing arising problems and assisting with resolutions. Ostomies are a necessary treatment for individuals that meet the medical conditions to requiring one; however, the placement and management of the pouch system can affect individuals in a multitude of ways e.g. physically, socially, psychologically. By understanding how these individuals with ostomies feel, the data derived from the study can help create solutions so that these individuals can improve their quality of life.
2. Discuss the sample size used in the study.
There were 14 participants who were all purposefully selected to participate in the study conducted in an outpatient center of a university hospital during the time period of July 2018 to December 2018 until there was a saturation point in data. The participants were patients who had been at least 2 months after their ostomy placement procedure, who additionally were in contact with the wound ostomy care nurses before and after the procedure. All 14 participants in the study were communicative with a permanent intestinal ostomy present.
1). What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the article recommendations on your unit and/or hospital?
ReplyDeleteImplementing the article’s recommendations on my unit could significantly benefit patients by reducing stigma, supporting mental health, and improving overall quality of care through education, family engagement, and assistance from WOC nurses. Hospitals may also gain from higher patient satisfaction and potentially fewer readmissions. However, these initiatives require added resources such as trained staff, dedicated time, and funding, while also increasing nurses’ workloads; furthermore, some patients may be reluctant to discuss sensitive issues or lack equal access to available support. Overall, the advantages outweigh the challenges, but careful planning and gradual implementation would be essential for long-term sustainability.
2). How does this research article compare to our practice, policy and/or procedure?
Hospital practice and policy currently focus on the physical aspects of ostomy care, such as teaching pouching techniques and preventing complications. The article emphasizes the need to also screen for stigma, involve families, and provide holistic support through WOC nurse–led programs. Compared to standard practice, it highlights a gap in addressing psychosocial needs and recommends expanding policies to deliver more person-centered, stigma-sensitive care.
1. Describe the method used by the author of the study.
ReplyDeleteThis article reports on a descriptive qualitative study in which interviews were conducted with 14 communicative individuals living with a permanent intestinal ostomy. The research was carried out in the outpatient clinic of a university hospital, and the data were analyzed using the content analysis method. The interviews were conducted with participants’ consent and audio-recorded for accuracy. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was undertaken to identify recurring patterns.
2. Discuss the sample size used in the study.
The researchers used purposeful sampling to recruit communicative individuals with a permanent intestinal ostomy who were receiving care at a university hospital’s outpatient clinic. The sample size of 14 was considered appropriate for this qualitative, descriptive design, as it allowed for in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences while ensuring data saturation—the point at which no new themes or insights emerged from the interviews. This approach ensured that the findings captured a comprehensive understanding of the stigma perceptions among individuals living with an ostomy.