Factors Influencing Decision Regret in Patients Undergoing Permanent Colostomy for Colorectal Cancer
Abstract
Objective: To explore factors influencing decision regret among colorectal cancer patients undergoing intestinal ostomy. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 102 colorectal cancer patients who underwent intestinal ostomy surgery and visited the ostomy clinic at a tertiary hospital in Baoding from July to September 2025. The Chinese version of the Ostomy Adaptation Inventory (OAI-20), Decision Regret Scale (DRS), Decision Conflict Scale (DCS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) were used to measure patients’ adaptation to stoma, decision regret, decision conflict, and quality of life. The Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) assessed patient involvement in ostomy surgery decisions, while the SSUK-8 evaluated social support. Additional items explored perceptions related to decision-making, participation, and outcomes. Results: Among 134 eligible patients attending the clinic, 120 participated in the questionnaire, with 102 completing all items. Stoma patients reported an average decision regret score of 60.83 (SD 28.43), an average coping ability score of 54.26 (SD 26.69), an average decision conflict score of 62.55 (SD 25.95), and a quality of life score of 56.93 (SD 27.46). In the multiple regression analysis, decision regret was associated with decision conflict, poor patient coping ability, low quality of life, and low social support. Conclusion: Decision regret is prevalent among Chinese CRC patients following ostomy surgery. Compared with similar studies in other regions, Chinese CRC patients exhibit a higher rate of regret. This may be related to lower patient involvement in decision-making, generally poorer quality of life, and heavier economic burdens.
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