Course and predictors of psychological distress among colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies: A longitudinal study

Purpose: To examined the course and predictors of psychological distress among colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies. Methods: 131 survivors were considered in this longitudinal study. Participants were measured at first month (T1), third month (T2), and sixth month (T3) post-operation. Psychological distress, peristomal skin complications and stomal complications were measured. All participants' sociodemographic data were collected one day before discharge. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare the course of psychological distress. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to determine the predictors. Results: The prevalence of mild to severe psychological distress in colorectal cancer survivors undergoing co-lostomy at T1, T2 and T3 was 96.94%, 88.55%, and 29.77%,respectively. The difference of psychological distress in survivors with ostomies at T1, T2 and T3 was statistically significant (F = 603.310, P < 0.001). Higher level psychological distress was generally differentiated by no religious belief, spouse caregiver, first and third month after ostomy, permanent enterostomy, peristomal skin complications and stomal complications. Conclusion: Survivors generally experience psychological distress, especially at first and third month after sur-gery. A multidisciplinary collaborative group comprised of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence/Enterostomal Therapy nurses and doctors, as well as psychological counselors, peer educators, and other participants, should be formed to conduct continuous assessments and management of psychological distress. Permanent enteros-tomies at first and third month after surgery, with spouse caregiver and no religious belief, with peristomal skin complications and stomal complications were being a priority for targeted attention.