Adolescents' Lived Experiences While Hospitalized After Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes.
• Ulcerative colitis significantly impacts adolescents' quality of life, often necessitating surgical intervention when medical treatments fail.
• There is a lack of research on adolescents' lived experiences during hospitalization following ulcerative colitis surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe the lived experiences of adolescents hospitalized after surgery for ulcerative colitis.
• To understand the challenges and needs of this patient population during their postoperative hospital stay.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing in-depth interviews with eight adolescents who underwent surgery for ulcerative colitis.
• Hermeneutic interpretation of meaning was used for analysis and interpretation of interview data.

Main Results:

• Three central themes emerged: 'Body: Out of order,' 'Seen and understood,' and 'Where are all the others?'
• Adolescents experienced significant physical and mental impairment post-surgery.
• Mental unpreparedness for surgical challenges led to avoidance of communication and social interaction.

Conclusions:

• Individualized nursing care, tailored to the adolescent's age, maturity, and specific needs, is essential.
• Further research is required to explore the implications of simultaneous illness and youth in the hospital setting for adolescent patients.