Background: Ostomy creation is a life-saving intervention for gastrointestinal and abdominopelvic conditions but is associated with substantial changes in quality of life. This study evaluated the quality of life among ostomy patients using a validated multidimensional instrument. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam. Clinical data included demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, and stoma-related features. A subset of patients completed the City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy Questionnaire (CoH-QoL-OQ). Additional data on daily life, including occupational status, marital status, caregiving, and mobility, were collected through structured interviews. Quality of life was assessed across four domains, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Results: Among 552 patients, 87 patients in the interview cohort had comparable baseline and stoma-related characteristics to those of the overall cohort, suggesting that the interview cohort was broadly representative of the overall population. Overall quality of life was favorable, with a mean score of 8.26. Spiritual well-being was highest at 9.16, whereas social well-being was lowest at 7.02. Many patients maintained work, travel, and social activities, while others experienced limitations in occupational participation and mobility. Marital relationships remained stable. Stoma duration was the most relevant factor associated with improved outcomes. Conclusion: Patients with a stoma can achieve a relatively favorable quality of life through gradual adaptation. Daily life outcomes, including work and social participation, are key components of well-being, highlighting the need for long-term, patient-centered care.
Tran et al. (2026) studied this question.