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Table 2 Content of the Original 37-Item Questionnaire and of the Final, Reduced Version, Stoma-QOL (4 response choices: 1-Always, 2-Sometimes, 3-Rarely, 4-Not at all)

From: Development and validation of a quality of life questionnaire for patients with colostomy or ileostomy

Original 37-Item Questionnaire

Stoma-QOL + : item included - : item excluded

1. I worry about skin problems where the pouch attaches

-

2. Because of my stoma I prefer eating at home

-

3. I feel the need to know where the nearest toilet is

+

4. I become anxious when the pouch is full

+

5. I feel tired during the day

+

6. I worry that my family will reject me

-

7. I avoid sexual intimacy because of my stoma

-

8. I am afraid of meeting new people

+

9. I am preoccupied by what I can eat and drink

-

10. I worry that friends will reject me

-

11. My sleep is interrupted because of my stoma

-

12. I avoid sleeping in certain positions

-

13. It is difficult to hide the fact that I wear a pouch

+

14. I have to avoid drinks that I like

-

15. I have problems falling asleep

-

16. My stoma makes it difficult for me to be with other people

+

17. I sleep badly during the night

+

18. I feel lonely even when I am with other people

+

19. I need to rest during the day

+

20. I worry about the pouch leaking

-

21. I worry that my condition is a burden to people close to me

+

22. I avoid close physical contact with my friends

+

23. I worry that my family feel awkward around me

+

24. I feel embarrassed about my body because of my stoma

+

25. It would be difficult for me to stay away from home overnight

+

26. I worry that the pouch rustles

+

27. I worry that the pouch may smell

+

28. I am afraid of being rejected sexually because of my stoma

-

29. My stoma makes me feel sexually unattractive

+

30. I worry that my friends feel awkward around me

-

31. I have to think about my pouch when planning my day

-

32. I avoid close physical contact with my family

-

33. I worry about noises from the stoma

+

34. I worry that the pouch will loosen

+

35. My stoma pouch limits the choice of clothes that I can wear

+

36. I have to avoid situations where I over-perspire (for example, brisk walking or sports)

-

37. I avoid getting changed in front of other people

-