Self-esteem disturbance in patients with urinary diversions: assessing the void

Self-esteem can be affected by any change in health, appearance, or emotional status--change that can affect quality of life. A decrease in self-esteem is especially evident in people with urinary diversions. A review of the literature, conducted to demonstrate self-esteem problems related to this population, revealed that body image and sexuality changes related to urinary diversions are frequently discussed in the current literature but studies that focus directly on self-esteem in the urinary diversion population have not been published. However, self-esteem may be compromised in people with urinary diversions more frequently than the literature reflects. Patients with urinary diversions, whether continent or incontinent, may be at risk for self-esteem problems. Future research and exploration are needed to expand knowledge of self-esteem with regard to urinary diversions in order to further understand the issue.