The Influence of Self Esteem and Sexual Communication on Sexual Satisfaction of Colorectal Cancer Women with Ostomy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of self-esteem and sexual communication on sexual satisfaction among female colorectal cancer patients with ostomy. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using self-reported online questionnaires. The participants were 85 women with colorectal cancer who had undergone ostomy formation surgery. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression with SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean sexual satisfaction score was 2.79±0.73 (range, 0~5). There was no significant relationship between self-esteem and sexual satisfaction. Sexual communication had a significant correlation with sexual satisfaction (r=.83, p<.001) and was a strong predictor of sexual satisfaction (β=.83, p<.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that colorectal cancer patients with ostomy experience low sexual satisfaction and that sexual communication is a meaningful factor for sexual satisfaction. Accordingly, nurses need to factor in sexual issues when caring for patients, and should encourage both patients and their partners to participate in education related to sexual health. It will also be helpful to inform patients about the importance of sexual communication with their partners as a sustainable intervention.