Exploring Experiences, Perceptions and Preferences for Exercise in Australians Living With a Stoma: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

ABSTRACT 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.