Revealing Strategies for Sexual Adjustments Among Ostomates in Indonesia

As the fourth highest cancer in Indonesia, colorectal cancer (CRC) is one paramount cancer issue that requires urgent healthcare management. Most CRC survivors must undergo ostomy surgery to prevent malignancy and death. The stoma formation negatively impacts the ostomates’ quality of life as it predominantly affects these people’s sexual function, satisfaction, and social life. This study explores in-depth sexual experiences and perspectives of people living with a stoma and their physical, psychological, and cultural influences. This phenomenological qualitative study involved 12 female and male ostomates recruited purposively from the National Cancer Centre Hospital in Indonesia. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, managed using Nvivo 12, and analysed thematically. The contextual findings highlighted four significant themes: sexual disruptions, revealing strategies for sexual adjustments, support from the marital partner, and limited support from the healthcare professionals. An interdisciplinary team supporting the sexual needs of the ostomates is necessary to improve strategies for adjusting to the sexual disruptions after CRC therapy. Pre- and post-stoma surgery counselling is recommended for CRC patients and their partners.