Factors Affecting Body Image and Sexual Life for the Colorectal Cancer Patients with Stoma

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe factors affecting body image and sexual life for colorectal cancer patients with stoma. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was applied to 102 ostomates from June to November in 2015 using self-report questionnaires: the Body image scale (BIS), and the Derogatis interview for sexual functioning self report (DISF-SR). Results: The influencing factors for body image were 'need for preoperative sexual education and sexual counseling' (beta=-.29, p=.003), and clinical stage II of colorectal cancer (beta=-.26, p=.006). The influencing factor for sexual life was educational level (college education or higher) (beta=.21, p=.02). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that colorectal cancer patients with stoma had a negative body image. The sexual counseling and education for ostomates should be approached by considering gender characteristics.