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Sexual Life Experiences of Patients With a Fecal Ostomy: A Meta-synthesis
Secil Taylan1,2, İlknur Özkan1,2
1Secil Taylan, PhD, Akdeniz University, Kumluca Health Sciences Faculty, Nursing Department, Kumluca, Antalya, Turkey.
Purpose:
The purpose of this structured review was to synthesize qualitative studies examining sexual life experiences of patients with a fecal ostomy.
Method:
This meta-synthesis was based on the interpretive meta-ethnography method defined by Noblit and Hare.
Search Strategy:
Electronic databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, OVID, Scopus, Springer, and TR Index were searched to identify pertinent sources. Inclusion criteria used a qualitative research design, developed a theme or category, included participants with fecal ostomies aged 18 years or older, and published in English or Turkish. We searched for studies published between January 1990 and December 2020. Grey literature sources and quantitative studies were excluded. Qualitative studies included in this study were evaluated for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (QARI).
Findings:
The sample comprised 20 studies. Three main themes were determined: (1) perceived barriers to sexual life, (2) the effect of perceived barriers on sexual life, and (3) sexual counseling related to the effect of an ostomy. Synthesis of the studies provides evidence for the importance of the sexual life experiences of patients with a fecal ostomy and the patient care, patient follow-up, and counseling practices of ostomy nurse specialists.
Implications:
Ostomy nurse specialists should be aware that the sexual problems experienced by patients are multifaceted and should provide specific training and counseling about these problems.
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