Changes of Lifestyle Among Ostomates Through Peer Support Groups

Abstract

The aim of this study is to clarify what kind of support ostomates receive from peer support groups and how they have changed their mind and lifestyle. Twelve ostomates who are members of O prefecture branch of Japanese ostomate association were interviewed according to the semi-structured interview guide. The contents of the interview were on demographic data, peer support group, self caring of stoma and adjustment of lifestyle. Four categories were extracted from the interview data as the peer support which the ostomates obtained through peer support groups. The categories were“the signpost toward successful life”,“the place to call their own”,“information and skills on self caring of stoma”, and“positive attitudes of older members”. We found the specific relationships among four categories. First, the ostomates met“the signposts toward successful life”, got“the place to call their own”, and they accepted themselves with stoma. Then,“positive attitudes of older members”and “information and skills on self caring of stoma”pushed the ostomate’s back toward to“intending changes of lifestyle”. It suggested that they received confidence from success in the change of their lifestyle and finally obtained a lively lifestyle.