Psychosocial behaviour reactions, psychosocial needs, anxiety and depression among patients with rectal cancer before and after colostomy surgery: A longitudinal study

Aims and objectives To compare the differences in psychosocial behaviour reactions, psychosocial needs, anxiety and depression before and after colostomy surgery and to explore the predictors of psychosocial behaviour reactions. Background Colorectal cancer is increasing worldwide. Abdominoperineal resection accompanied by permanent colostomy can cause complicated psychosocial reactions and needs. However, colostomy patients' trajectories of psychosocial adjustment at different time points must be discussed. Design A longitudinal study. Methods Using a convenience sampling method, 67 patients planning to undergo colostomy surgery were recruited from a tertiary cancer centre in southern China from January 2013–January 2014. Data collection consisted of two phases, conducted 1–2 days before surgery and 1–2 days prior to discharge. The Ostomy Psychosocial Behaviour Reaction Questionnaire, the Ostomy Psychosocial Needs Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a self‐designed demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. STROBE guidelines were followed. Results The participants had a moderate level of psychosocial behaviour reactions, a deep and wide range of psychosocial needs and a high incidence of anxiety and depression before and after surgery. Anxiety before surgery was significantly higher than that after surgery. Psychosocial needs and anxiety were significant predictors of psychosocial behaviour reactions. Conclusions Patients' anxiety was alleviated after surgery. The combination of ascertaining and meeting various psychosocial needs and managing negative emotions was helpful in alleviating patients' stress responses before and after surgery. Relevance to clinical practice An increased focus on the relationships among psychosocial behaviour reactions, psychosocial needs, anxiety and depression at different time points in colostomy patients is necessary for future research and practice.