Validation of a stoma-specific quality of life questionnaire in a sample of patients with colostomy or ileostomy

AimThe aim of this study was to determine how socio-demographic and clinical variables affect quality of life (QoL) and to assess the validity of a 20-item scale in a sample of Italian subjects with colostomy, ileostomy and multiple stomata. MethodA cross-sectional multicentre survey was carried out in Italy between 2009 and 2010 in 73 stoma centres coordinated by the University of Padova. Patients aged 18years old and above with a history of nontemporary stoma were included in the study. The Stoma Care QoL scale was measured and validated using a Rasch model. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were considered in the analyses. ResultsTwo hundred and fifty-one patients were recruited for the study; the mean age was 62years, 58% were men, 72% had colostomy and 25% ileostomy; approximately 70% of patients had intestinal cancer requiring a stoma, 13% a complication and 10% an inflammatory disease. No significant differences were observed throughout strata in the Stoma Care QoL scale index, except for geographical area, where subjects from south Italy showed a significantly lower index than subjects living in other parts of Italy (P<0.01). Colostomy and ileostomy patients reported very similar QoL. Cronbach's alpha for the Stoma Care QoL scale was 0.90 (95% CI 0.88-0.92). Rasch analysis supported the viability of the Stoma Care QoL scale questionnaire and showed acceptable goodness-of-fit. Three under-fitted items were observed. ConclusionThe study confirms the validity of the 20-item Stoma Care QoL scale questionnaire as a research tool for stoma patients but the number of items could be reduced.