Sexual Function in Patients with Stoma and its Consideration Among Their Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sexual function is a paramount issue in patients with stoma, but it is a problem often underestimated by physicians and caregivers. This study aimed to investigate the difference between patient expectations and the consideration of patients sexual function by caregivers. This multicentric study consisted of two surveys addressed to patients with stoma and to stomatherapists, between March 1st and May 31st 2012. The surveys were distributed among all Italian Regions. A total of 457 valid surveys from patients with stoma were included. The 40% of patients had a definitive colostomy. The 85% of cases referred a good health status and 71% was autonomous in the ostomy management. Sexual activity was defined "important" in 80% and 68% patients before and after the operation, respectively. The presence of the ostomy influenced sexual activity in 22.5% patients. This study demonstrated the major issues of patients with stoma about sexual function and the difficulty and embarrassment of caregivers in talking about it with their patients