EFFECT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-CARE PRACTICES AMONG OSTOMATES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL FAISALABAD

Abstract

Background: Ostomates, individuals who have undergone ostomy surgery, often face challenges in self-care, particularly in the early stages post-surgery. Educational interventions have been suggested as a key factor in improving the knowledge and self-care practices of ostomates (Jones and Smith, 2023). However, there is a lack of sufficient research on the effectiveness of such interventions in the Pakistani context (Rahman and Tufail, 2021). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge and self-care practices of ostomates at a tertiary care hospital in Faisalabad.Objective: To assess the effect of structured educational interventions on the knowledge and self-care practices of ostomates post-surgery.Methods: This quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan. A total of 30 ostomates were recruited based on inclusion criteria, including individuals aged 18-70 years who had undergone ostomy surgery within the past six months. The intervention consisted of a series of educational sessions focusing on ostomy care, diet management, psychological support, and coping strategies. The sessions were delivered over four weeks using a combination of visual aids, pamphlets, and practical demonstrations (Miller and Grant, 2022). Data on participants' knowledge and self-care practices were collected using pre- and post-intervention surveys. The knowledge survey assessed aspects such as understanding of ostomy care and complications, while the self-care practices survey evaluated participants' adherence to proper care protocols (Jamil et al., 2020).Results: The results indicated a significant improvement in both knowledge (mean score increase of 25%) and self-care practices (mean score increase of 30%) post-intervention. The educational program led to increased confidence among ostomates in managing their ostomy, with many reporting better control over their daily routines and fewer complications. Participants also demonstrated enhanced understanding of dietary guidelines and preventive care strategies (Zahid and Ali, 2020).Conclusion: The educational intervention had a significant positive impact on the knowledge and self-care practices of ostomates. These findings suggest that structured educational programs can play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for ostomates, and similar programs could be implemented in other healthcare settings to support this population. Further research with a larger sample size and randomized controlled trials is recommended to confirm these results (Patel and Shah, 2023).