Patients’ experiences of living with a stoma in rural areas in Northern Sweden

Introduction: Stoma complications are common and interfere with many aspects of everyday life. Stoma problems are usually managed by a specialised stoma nurse, a service not present in the rural areas of South Lapland in Sweden. The aim of this study was to describe how stoma patients in rural areas experience living with a stoma. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study with semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 stoma patients living in rural municipalities and who received a part of their care at the local cottage hospital. Qualitative content analysis was employed. Results: Initially, the stoma was experienced as very depressing. Participants had difficulties in properly managing the dressing. Over time they learned how to properly care for their stoma, making their life easier. Both satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the healthcare were experienced. Those who were dissatisfied expressed a lack of competence in dealing with stoma-related problems. Conclusions: Living with a stoma in a rural area in northern Sweden is experienced as a learning process and acceptance of the stoma’s existence is important. This study emphasises the need for increased knowledge of stoma-related problems in rural primary healthcare in order to help patients cope with everyday life.