Wang LP, Ye J, He XW, Shi MR, Cheng GL. Ecological momentary assessment combined with aromatherapy on postoperative depression in elderly patients with colostomy. World J Gastrointest Surg 2026; 18(3): 115394 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i3.115394]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Gui-Lan Cheng, Associate Chief Nurse, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China. wlpaa123456@163.com
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Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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Observational Study
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Mar 27, 2026 (publication date) through Mar 30, 2026
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World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
ISSN
1948-9366
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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Wang LP, Ye J, He XW, Shi MR, Cheng GL. Ecological momentary assessment combined with aromatherapy on postoperative depression in elderly patients with colostomy. World J Gastrointest Surg 2026; 18(3): 115394 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i3.115394]
World J Gastrointest Surg. Mar 27, 2026; 18(3): 115394 Published online Mar 27, 2026. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i3.115394
Ecological momentary assessment combined with aromatherapy on postoperative depression in elderly patients with colostomy
Li-Ping Wang, Jing Ye, Xiao-Wei He, Mei-Rong Shi, Gui-Lan Cheng
Li-Ping Wang, Jing Ye, Xiao-Wei He, Mei-Rong Shi, Pancreatitis Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
Li-Ping Wang, West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
Gui-Lan Cheng, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
Author contributions: Wang LP, Ye J, He XW, and Shi MR contributed to data collection and paper writing; Cheng GL was responsible for funding application, reviewing and editing, communication coordination, ethical review, copyright and licensing, and follow-up. All authors contributed to research design and data analysis, and approved the final version to publish.
Institutional review board statement: The research was reviewed and approved by the Ethic Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 2025(453).
Informed consent statement: All research participants or their legal guardians provided written informed consent prior to study registration.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
STROBE statement: The authors have read the STROBE Statement-checklist of items, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the STROBE Statement-checklist of items.
Data sharing statement: No other data available.
Corresponding author: Gui-Lan Cheng, Associate Chief Nurse, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China. wlpaa123456@163.com
Received: November 7, 2025 Revised: December 12, 2025 Accepted: January 9, 2026 Published online: March 27, 2026 Processing time: 140 Days and 3.4 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Colostomy is a common surgical procedure that significantly impacts patients’ psychological well-being, particularly among the elderly. Postoperative depression is a prevalent complication that hinders recovery and reduces quality of life. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) offers real-time, dynamic monitoring of emotional states, while aromatherapy serves as a non-invasive adjunct therapy for alleviating depressive symptoms. However, the combined effect of EMA and aromatherapy in elderly colostomy patients remains underexplored.
AIM
To investigate the intervention effect of EMA combined with aromatherapy on postoperative depression in elderly patients with colostomy.
METHODS
From March 2023 to December 2024, a total of 100 elderly patients undergoing colostomy surgery were recruited and divided into a control group and an observation group based on treatment methods. Perioperative parameters, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Stoma Quality of Life Scale were compared. Postoperative complications (stomach retraction, gastrointestinal disorders, and infections) were recorded and compared.
RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences in the time to bowel sound recovery and time to first flatus between the observation group and the control group (P > 0.05). The length of hospital stay in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.001). After the intervention, the observation group had significantly lower Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, and a significantly higher Stoma Quality of Life Scale score than the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
EMA combined with aromatherapy can effectively alleviate postoperative depression in elderly patients with colostomy surgery and improve their quality of life, demonstrating promising clinical application value.
Core Tip: This study explores the combined intervention of ecological momentary assessment and aromatherapy for postoperative depression in elderly colostomy patients. The study demonstrates that this approach significantly reduces depressive symptoms, improves sleep quality, and enhances quality of life, without increasing complication rates. The integration of real-time psychological monitoring with non-pharmacological therapy offers a novel, personalized nursing strategy for this vulnerable population.
