Objective:
To evaluate the perceptions of colostomized men concerning the social support received and to verify the relationship between perceived social support and socio-demographic variables, the information provided, the support they actually received, and educational sessions at the hospital.
Methods:
This is a descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study, a quantitative approach with a sample of 112 men who had a colostomy for over a year, in three health units of northern Portugal.
Results:
The average age of participants was 59.9 years, 67.9% were inactive in terms of work, 49.5% perceive support as sufficient, insufficient support 36.2% and 14.3% neutral support. The perception of support is lower in older subjects (r = -0.166; p = 0.018).
Conclusion:
This study showed that the spouse is very important in the life of a colostomised man, particularly in times of difficulties inherent to the disease, representing his main support network.
Men's health; Colostomy; Social support