Health Utility, Social Interactivity, and Peristomal Skin Status: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine relationships among social interaction, health utility, and peristomal skin status in adults with ostomies. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: 15,591 persons residing in the United States were randomly selected from 3 multinational proprietary databases of individuals who had undergone surgery. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional assessment utilizing the SF36v2 survey instrument. Potential subjects were sent an e-mail letter of invitation that included instructions for completing the questionnaire, an informed consent form, and nontransferable link to an electronic survey. Health utility was derived from the SF6D, and the Hawthorne Friendship Scale was used to measure social connectivity. Social functioning was derived from the SF36v2. A minimally important social value of health (MISVH) is reported as the minimum quality-adjusted life-days to be of benefit (influence) within indices of social connectivity and function. A self-reported determinant of peristomal skin health was included. RESULTS: Increased social interactivity, defined as social functioning and social connectivity, was associated with increased health utility. In addition, health utility decreased as peristomal skin integrity worsened. A MISVH can be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that peristomal skin complications are more than dermatologic issues. They negatively affect the well-being of those who must cope and adapt to their impact and the community at large. Social interaction is also negatively influenced.