Proceedings of the 8th World Conference on Qualitative Research

Introduction: It is estimated that around 1,3 million people around the world have an ostomy (whether it is an ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy). The creation of an ostomy is felt as a "mutilating practice" to the entire aesthetic component of the human body, as well as having an effect on the physiological, psychological and social plenitude of the person, but also on the identity. In this situation, the body is strongly marked by a change that is visible, and the body is not just an individual and singular element, but a construct of the social and cultural component of the individual, and that can influence the interaction and identity.
Goals and method: In this study, we want to understand the experiences and perception that these social actors have about their identity (de)structuring in a context of (in)visibility in public. For the participants selection we’ll use the diversity of profiles criteria. A qualitative approach will be used through the life narratives, with narrative interviews and interaction observation in a waiting room. The data will be analysed with thematic analyses.
Expected results: The data produced will allow us to emanate the perceptions of the experiences of the person with an ostomy, and their meanings, inserted in a social context, giving them a voice in their respective stages of life, and in their own social reality.
Conclusions: The results of this study will contribute to the understanding of the person with an ostomy experiences and their identity construction. This information will create new knowledge in the scientific areas of approach, which will contribute to the creation of strategies and suggestions for the person with an ostomy. It will be very helpful to the professionals that work with them.