The Lived Experience of Muslim Patients With Ostomies

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experience of Muslims with an ostomy with respect to their cultural and religious practices. DESIGN: A qualitative, phenomenological design. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Seven purposively selected participants from a major metropolitan area in South Africa who had lived with an ostomy for 6 months or more were interviewed. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with each participant in the setting of their choice and audio recorded. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s analytic approach. Data were collected over several months in 2013. RESULTS: Four themes were generated: They are referred to as the 4 “S’s” of living with an ostomy: silence, spirituality, sanitary practices, and survival. Silence was related to the perceived stigma and judgment of others. Participants felt more able to engage in their religious activities as they became aware of the mercy of Allah. Participants encountered difficulties with purification rituals and conforming to the strict requirements for worship. Extra time and attention were given to the sanitary practices in preparation for the rituals of worship. Survival and quality of life were linked to the support received by family, health care providers, and the religious community. CONCLUSIONS: A need exists in the Muslim community for support groups for persons living with an ostomy, and for easily accessible guidance on religious practices and stoma care, particularly in relation to purification preparation for religious obligations. Cultural-religious issues pertaining to ostomy care and support for Muslim patients should be included in the education of health professionals.