Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences

BREAKING TABOOS: EXPLORING THE SEXUAL REALITIES OF INDONESIAN OSTOMATES

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Nursing Department, Politeknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Jakarta I, Jakarta, 12450, Indonesia

2 Nursing department, Politeknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Jakarta I, Jakarta, 12450, Indonesia

3 Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Jakarta, 11420, Indonesia

4 Basic Science and Fundamental of Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, 16424, Indonesia

10.22062/jqrhs.2025.200063.1445
Abstract
Background: A stoma may lead to changes in life, including sexual life. The problem of sexuality is still very limited in number because of the taboo to talk about it with others and health workers by the astern culture. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the sexual experiences of clients with a stoma.
Methods: This study employed a phenomenological descriptive design and involved fifteen participants using a purposive sampling method based on the inclusion criteria. Interview findings were analyzed using the Colaizzi method.
Results: Five themes emerged from the analysis: first sexual feelings after stoma creation, physical and psychological effects of stoma creation, sexual patterns after stoma creation, preparation before sexual intercourse, and ostomate expectations and suggestions for care services.
Conclusions: Stoma patients in Indonesia encounter considerable challenges in their sexual lives, highlighting the need for nurses to address this aspect comprehensively. Nurses play a pivotal role in meeting patient needs, enhancing care quality, and supporting the often-neglected dimension of sexuality. Future research should also consider the experiences of partners who are significantly impacted by the presence of a stoma.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 June 2025

  • Receive Date 30 June 2024
  • Revise Date 05 November 2024
  • Accept Date 03 June 2025