Influence of dietary habits in the social reintegration of a group of people with ostomy

Abstract

Eating habits can cause significant impact on the ostomy patients’ life and may influence positively or negatively in the process of adaptation to this situation. This study aimed to identify dietary habits adopted by ostomy and investigate the influence of these habits in control of their bowels, as well as its impact on their social life. This is a qualitative study conducted with 25 ostomy of the Ostomy Association of Goiás, in Goiânia-GO, between January and March of 2006. Data collection was done through recorded interviews and analysis followed the reference of Content Analysis. The following categories of results were identified: Adoption of new eating habits: risks and benefits to the health of ostomy and Diet habits of ostomy and its impact on social life. The ostomy collaborative factors stand out as a return to social life, the importance of learning how to live with the stoma and regular bowel habit by feeding. It was observed that the new dietary habits adopted by the ostomy can cause positive or negative impact on their health being important that health professionals working with these clients are aware of this.

Descriptors: Ostomy; Food habits; Social desirability; Nursing care.