Changes and influencing factors of post-traumatic growth in patients after enterostomy.

Purpose: To investigate the levels of resilience and post-traumatic growth at various postoperative time points in enterostomy patients, and to explore the influencing factors.

Methods: An observational study among patients with enterostomy was carried out in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China from July 2020 to September 2022. Participants were instructed to complete surveys, including a demographic questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Post-traumatic Growth Inventory. Analyses were conducted using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mauchly's test of sphericity, One-Way Repeated Measurements ANOVA, multivariate analysis of variance, Bonferroni technique, and multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results: 146 enterostomy patients who completed three follow-up visits were included for further analyses. The PTGI score was significantly lower in 3 to 6 months post-surgery compared to the postoperative period (p < 0.001) and significantly higher in 9 to 12 months post-surgery compared to 3 to 6 months post-surgery (p < 0.001), but there was no statistical difference between the early postoperative period and the 9-12 months post-surgery (p = 0.120). A U-shaped change in the post-traumatic growth trend was observed over time. Simple linear regression analysis revealed that the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory scores varied significantly among enterostomy patients concerning their ages, levels of education, and working conditions (p < 0.05). Analysis of multiple linear regressions demonstrated a significant positive correlation of resilience with post-traumatic growth (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Post-traumatic growth levels in patients with enterostomy exhibited an initial decline followed by an increase over time. There was a positive association with age, level of education, employment status, and resilience, underscoring the significance of formulating targeted interventions to bolster the mental and emotional welfare of these patients and improve their quality of life.