Hande Cengiz Açıl, Ayşe Çelik Yılmaz, Dilek Aygın
Purpose This study aimed to examine the relationship between postoperative recovery and quality of life in colorectal cancer patients with a stoma using path analysis. Methods The study included 70 colorectal cancer patients who underwent stoma surgery in the General Surgery Department of a university hospital. Of the participants, 58.6% were male, 41.4% female, with a mean age of 62.3 ± 10.8 years. Quality of life was the dependent variable, while psychological activities, physical activities, work/social life, stoma function, bowel symptoms, and desire symptoms were independent variables. Data were collected using standardized scales, and path analysis was applied to assess direct and indirect effects. Results Work/social life significantly negatively affected psychological ( β = −0.41, p < 0.01) and physical activities ( β = −0.36, p < 0.05). Both work/social life ( β = −0.33, p < 0.05) and stoma function ( β = −0.40, p < 0.01) negatively influenced desire symptoms. Additionally, stoma function negatively impacted bowel symptoms ( β = −0.37, p < 0.05). The model demonstrated good fit (χ 2 /df = 2.10, RMSEA = 0.07, CFI = 0.94). Discussion The findings highlight that stoma-related functional difficulties and disruptions in work/social life may adversely affect psychological and physical recovery, ultimately reducing quality of life. These results support prior evidence suggesting that adaptation to stoma is multifactorial, involving both physical management and psychosocial adjustment. A holistic care approach that addresses these multidimensional challenges is essential. Conclusion Tailored education, psychosocial support, and individualized postoperative care can improve adaptation, recovery, and quality of life in stoma patients.