Self-Care strategies in managing physical discomfort: experience of patient with an intestinal stoma

Ali, Nor Ayliwati and Abdul Wahab, Patimah and Saidi, Sanisah and Mohamad Shariff, Nurasikin and Jaafar, Siti Nur Illiani (2026) Self-Care strategies in managing physical discomfort: experience of patient with an intestinal stoma. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing, 17 (3). pp. 93-103. ISSN 2231-7007 E-ISSN 2462-246X

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Abstract

Background: The physiological changes resulting from stoma formation necessitate that patients actively engage in self-care practices to manage their physical condition and maintain their well-being. In nursing, supporting and enhancing patients’ self-care abilities forms a key aspect of postoperative education and continuity of care. However, research on stoma self-care practice in Malaysia remains limited. This study aims to explore the self-care strategies employed by patients with an intestinal stoma in managing physical discomfort. Methods: This exploratory qualitative study employed a case study approach, using semi-structured interviews conducted among 17 patients with an intestinal stoma in a public hospital in Malaysia over an eight-month period. The data were analyzed using a framework analysis approach. Results: Three key themes emerged from the analysis: managing pain, stoma care, and adjustment of daily routines. Participants identified these self-care practices as their experience managing their physical discomfort due to having an intestinal stoma. Conclusion: The findings underscore the complexity and multifaceted nature of self-care among stoma patients. These insights are essential for nurses in Malaysia, particularly in developing supportive frameworks and interventions to enhance patients' self-care abilities, which ultimately improve their quality of life (QOL) and healthcare outcomes

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ostomy, Physical Discomfort, Patient Experience, Self-Care
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RT Nursing
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Medical Surgical Nursing
Depositing User:	Dr Patimah Abdul Wahab
Date Deposited:	23 Jan 2026 16:00
Last Modified:	23 Jan 2026 16:00
Queue Number:	2026-01-Q1774
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126995

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