Factors contributing to the quality of life among Thai patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer with a stoma: An integrative review

Abstract Aim To appraise and synthesize research investigating the factors contributing to the quality of life (QOL) among Thai patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) with a stoma. Design An integrative review. Data Sources The scientific databases CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and ThaiJO were queried for English or Thai research articles published between 2011 and 2021. Review Methods Included studies were searched utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The eligible studies were critically appraised by evaluating the study level and quality using the John Hopkins Research Evidence Appraisal Tool. Whittemore and Knafl's five‐stage framework was used to guide this integrative review. Primary data from each suitable study were abstracted, coded and categorized into sub‐themes. Finally, themes were identified based on the review question and objective. Results Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Twelve sub‐themes and five significant themes were identified: Sociodemographic and clinical, physiological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects. Conclusion Factors contributing to QOL among Thai CRC ostomates can be categorized into five domains. The sociodemographic and clinical, physiological and psychological aspects are similar to those in other countries. In the meanwhile, the social and spiritual domains differ from those in other countries, particularly in extended family support and Buddhist belief. Impact By providing the QOL contributing factors, nurses can investigate the significant QOL predictors and create the appropriate interventions for promoting QOL, specifically among Thai CRC adults with a stoma. Likewise, it will be helpful to integrate this result into the nursing curriculum in Thailand and other similar countries to teach nursing students who could give direct holistic care to CRC adults with a stoma. In addition, it will serve as the basis for healthcare policy regarding nursing practice guidelines for assessing the individuals' QOL factors and promoting QOL activities after ostomy surgery. Patient or Public contribution: The ostomy nurses in Thailand are involved in the data analysis stage. They read all the included studies before the meeting. They considered and commented on the generating and synthesizing of codes, subthemes and themes.