This study was designed to construct and test the structural equation model on sexual satisfaction in patients with a colostomy.

The model construction was based upon Roy's adaptation model. Stoma-related discomfort (SRD), age, frequency of sexual intercourse, treatment modality, and gender affect sexual satisfaction and are mediated by physical, psychosocial, and interdependence modes. Each mode was conceptualized as sexual function, body image/depression, and marital intimacy. The patients were 112 colostomates with colorectal cancer who were asked to complete a mail-back survey on their demographic data, SRD, body image, depression, marital intimacy, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 15.0 and AMOS WIN 7.0.

Significant variables for sexual satisfaction in the final model were body image affected by SRD, depression affected by body image and SRD, marital intimacy affected by depression, and sexual function affected by marital intimacy.

The results of this study suggest that specific guidelines for SRD are necessary to improve sexual satisfaction among colostomates. Nurses should be vigilant in monitoring depression and body image disturbance, and providing appropriate interventions to increase marital intimacy. Treatment modality, gender, and age should be considered in developing education programs pertaining to sexuality.