Self-care in ostomized patients

Abstract

Self-care consists in practicing personal activities that begin and are carried out in certain periods; self-care must be learned and applied deliberately and continues over time, always in response to the patient"™ needs. The objective: to determine self-care practices for ostomized patients in the San Vicente de Paúl Hospital, Ibarra 2018. The approach of this study corresponds to a quantitative design of descriptive, observational and transverse type; the sample consisted of 15 ostomized patients who were applied the validated survey "Montreux Questionnaire on Quality of Life for Ostomized Patients" and stoma evaluation was registered by direct observation. Regarding the age of the study group, 86.67% correspond to patients older than 41 years showing a male predominance with 60%. The identified selfcare practices in ostomized patients are the following: 66.67% of the study group shows interest in self-care, 46.76% have a good perception of their health status, (in relation to stoma adaptability) 46.67% consider it an easy practice; 40% is totally sure to carry out the stoma cleansing, that is changing the bag. It is concluded that 100% of patients presented a stoma with normal characteristics in terms of size, color, appearance and peristomal skin; determining that the group of ostomized patients maintain appropriate practices in relation to the following dimensions: stoma evaluation, peristomal skin, waste, and devices. The practice of self-care by ostomized patients is essential in order to improve their health status and avoid complications. It will be achieved through the educational interventions that the nursing professional must provide.