Self-Efficacy and Body Image in Individuals With Colorectal Cancer and Stomas.

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Psychosocial Oncology
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with a stoma often experience challenges with body image and self-efficacy.
• Understanding factors influencing these perceptions is vital for effective patient care and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate variables affecting body image perception and stoma self-efficacy in CRC patients with a stoma.
• To determine the relationship between body image and stoma self-efficacy in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional, correlational study involving 121 CRC patients with a stoma.
• Data collected via face-to-face interviews using validated surveys for demographic, clinical, body image, and stoma self-efficacy data.
• Statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

• Lower body image scores were associated with younger age, female gender, single status, and lack of stoma education.
• Concerns about gas, leakage, odor, and body changes negatively impacted body image.
• Higher stoma self-efficacy was linked to stoma education, while lower self-efficacy was observed in women and those with stoma-related anxieties.
• A significant correlation was found between body image perception and stoma self-efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Stoma-related education and psychosocial support are key interventions to enhance body image and self-efficacy in CRC patients.
• Nursing interventions should focus on addressing physical stoma issues, social stigma, and emotional well-being to improve patient adaptation and quality of life.