Body Image and Intimate Relationships in 18-25 year olds with a stoma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Body Image and Intimacy in Young People with an Intestinal Stoma
IRAS ID
302798
Contact name
Craig Murray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 12 days
Research summary
An intestinal stoma is an opening in the abdomen which allows faecal waste to exit the body into an external “stoma bag”, bypassing a large portion of the intestines. Research shows that having a stoma has a negative affect on people’s feelings about their appearance which can lead to decreased quality of life and increased psychological distress. There can also be a significant impact on intimate relationships.
A stoma may be created at any point across the life span however most of the research into body image and relationships in individuals with a stoma has been with older populations. As such we may be missing valuable information regarding how these issues affect younger people. The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the experiences of young people with an intestinal stoma, focusing on feelings about their physical appearance and the impact on their intimate relationships. This will be achieved through semi-structured interviews with participants aged between 18 & 25 who have had a stoma for a minimum of 12 weeks.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0026
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion