Abstract

BONILL DE LAS NIEVES, Candela et al. Living with a digestive stoma: the importance of family support. Index Enferm [online]. 2013, vol.22, n.4, pp.209-213. ISSN 1699-5988.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1132-12962013000300004.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the family participation through the illness of people with digestive stomas. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was carried out with 21 people with a digestive stoma living in the provinces of Malaga and Granada (Spain). The selection of informants was done through an intentional sampling, accordingly to the criteria of suitability and diversity. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews. The content analysis yielded a main category: family support. Results: For ostomized people the family turns into a key therapeutic resource along the whole process. The fact of families" acceptance of this new situation is essential for the process of patient"s reconciliation with his/her own corporal reality. The family implication in the process of care learning from the beginning is very important for achieving autonomy. The couple"s acceptance and support has a positive influence for recovering sexual relations. Conclusions: The family turns into a key therapeutic resource along the whole process.

Keywords : Colostomy; Ileostomy; Ostomy; Family support; Illness; Qualitative research.