Association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with self-image, self-esteem and locus of health control in patients with an intestinal stoma

Abstract Objective To evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical factors related to patients with an intestinal stoma and to correlate them with locus of health control, self-esteem and self-image. Method 44 patients with an intestinal stoma participated in the study. The following instruments were used: Scale for Locus of Health Control, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale/UNIFESP-EPM and Body Investment Scale. Results With regard to Locus Health Control variables, sociodemographic variables with alterations were: unemployed (28.13); retirees (27.79); age up to 50 years (28.44); and singles (27.89). Regarding Body Investment Scale, the sociodemographic variables with alterations were: age up to 50 years (21.79); single (19.15) or married (17.53); retired (18.79) or unemployed (19.83); and can read and write (20.13). Regarding Rosenberg-EPM Self-esteem Scale, all sociodemographic variables were altered. Conclusions Ostomized patients presented alterations in the following variables: unemployed, retired, aged up to 50 years and unmarried. There were also alterations in individuals whose cause of the stoma was neoplasia, a temporary stoma, stoma time <4 years, and ostomized non-participants of an association or support group, and who also did not practice physical activities. We conclude from these findings that ostomized individuals who participated in the study and who were included in these variables showed negative feelings about their body and believed that only they could control their health and that the people involved in their care and rehabilitation did not could contribute to their improvement.