Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer globally and often requires surgical intervention involving stoma creation. A colostomy significantly impacts patients' physical, psychological, and social well-being. One major challenge for individuals with a colostomy is the unpleasant odor from gas and fecal output, which can lead to embarrassment, low self-esteem, reduced social interaction, and poor quality of life.
This study explores how lavender essential oil and peppermint essential oil used inside stoma bags affect odor elimination , life satisfaction , and stoma compliance among patients with permanent colostomies.
Objectives
The research aimed to evaluate whether adding lavender or peppermint essential oils into stoma bags:
- Reduces odor intensity (Hypothesis 1 )
- Improves life satisfaction (Hypothesis 2 )
- Enhances stoma compliance (Hypothesis 3 )
Methodology
- Study Design : Randomized controlled trial with repeated measurements.
- Setting : Conducted at a university hospital’s stoma therapy unit between January 2021 and May 2022.
- Participants : A total of 102 patients with permanent colostomies.
- Groups :
- Lavender Oil Group
- Peppermint Oil Group
- Control Group (no oil application)
- Intervention : A few drops of either lavender or peppermint oil were added daily to the stoma bags of participants over a specified period.
- Measurements :
- Odor Intensity : Assessed using a standardised scale before and after the intervention.
- Life Satisfaction : Measured using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS).
- Stoma Compliance : Evaluated using a validated stoma compliance scale.
Key Findings
1. Odor Elimination
- Both lavender oil and peppermint oil significantly reduced odor intensity compared to the control group.
- Statistically significant decreases in odor levels were observed in both experimental groups post-intervention (p = 0.000 for both).
2. Life Satisfaction
- Participants in the lavender and peppermint oil groups reported higher life satisfaction scores after the intervention.
- This suggests that reducing odor had a positive impact on emotional well-being and overall perception of life quality.
3. Stoma Compliance
- There was a notable improvement in stoma compliance among patients using essential oils.
- Specifically, the lavender oil group showed the greatest increase in acceptance and adaptation to living with a stoma.
Discussion
- The aromatherapy approach using essential oils proved safe and effective without any adverse effects.
- These natural solutions offer a low-cost, easy-to-use, and non-invasive method to manage stoma-related odor issues.
- Improved odor control led to greater confidence and comfort , helping patients better integrate into social and professional settings.
- The results support earlier findings that essential oils like lavender have calming, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties, while peppermint enhances cognitive function and has antimicrobial benefits.
Conclusion
The use of lavender and peppermint essential oils in stoma bags is an effective nursing intervention for:
- Reducing unpleasant odors
- Enhancing life satisfaction
- Improving stoma compliance
These oils represent a simple, natural, and holistic solution that can be integrated into routine stoma care practices to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Implications for Practice
- Nurses and healthcare providers should consider incorporating essential oil applications as part of standard stoma care protocols.
- Further research could explore long-term usage, optimal dosage, and combinations with other complementary therapies.
Source
Alptekin, D., & Arslan, S. (2024). The effect of different essential oils used in stoma bags of individuals with colostomy removal of odor, life satisfaction and effect on stoma fit: Randomized controlled study. Sustainable Cities and Society , Volume 116.
🔗 ScienceDirect Article
