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Exploring Experiences, Perceptions and Preferences for Exercise in Australians Living With a Stoma: A Cross-Sectional
Monica Stankiewicz1, Julie Hides2,3, Nicole Gavin4
1Wound Management, Stomal Therapy and Dermatology, Queensland Health, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Aim:
(1) Explore the role of core abdominal exercise in people living with a stoma in Australia; (2) determine whether the presence of a parastomal hernia influenced participant symptoms and complications, health status, experiences with different types of exercise, recall advice given by healthcare professionals; (3) determine whether there is an appetite for supervised/supported exercise programs.
Design:
A cross-sectional, anonymous survey.
Methods:
Between August and September 2022. The survey included Likert scales and a single free text response. Logistic regression and Cramer's V were used to explore relationships between variables.
Results:
Approximately half (45.5%) of 105 participants reported a parastomal hernia. Those with a parastomal hernia were less likely to recall having received advice (15.20%) or demonstration (9.40%) pertaining to exercise. Less than a quarter of all participants completed strengthening (23.80%) or vigorous (22.90%) exercise. Fear of vigorous exercise, abdominal exercise and heavy lifting were high in both groups. Relationships between healthcare advice, exercise-related fears and avoidance of heavy lifting were observed.
Conclusion:
Many Australians living with a stoma are not achieving physical activity recommendations. While exercise behaviours did not differ between people with and without a parastomal hernia, recall of healthcare advice around exercise did. Fear-avoidance relationships were observed.
Impact:
Most people living with a stoma do not recall advice about core abdominal exercises. Healthcare practitioners need to be aware of fear-avoidance related to lifting among people living with a stoma. This was the first study in Australia, exploring perspectives and experiences regarding exercise; providing foundations for future research particularly exercise programs.
Reporting Method:
This study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and the reporting of survey studies (CROSS).
Patient Or Public Contribution:
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.
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