Analysis of Self-Care Competence and Determinants in Hospitalized Patients Undergoing Ileal Conduit for Bladder Cancer

Abstract Purpose To assess self-care competencies and identify key determinants among patients with bladder cancer with ileal conduit stomas at discharge. Methods Participants completed the demographic survey and validated the Stoma Self-Care Ability Scale 24 h before discharge. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to examine factors influencing self-care capacity across four dimensions: willingness, knowledge, skills, and overall ability. Results Average scores for self-care ability, willingness, knowledge, and skills were 50.02 ± 7.65, 35.61 ± 3.86, 12.48 ± 4.16, and 1.93 ± 1.76, respectively. Marital status, occupational status, and residence type significantly influenced self-care ability, knowledge, and skills. Retired and unemployed patients had lower total self-care ability scores than employed and farmer patients. Unemployed patients scored significantly lower in knowledge and retired patients in skills. Married patients and those who were not living alone had significantly lower scores for self-care ability, knowledge, and skills than single patients and those living alone. Self-care willingness differed significantly by marital status and monthly household income. Patients with a monthly household income ≥ 5,000 RMB had significantly higher self-care willingness than those with a monthly household income ≤ 3,000 RMB. Married patients had significantly lower self-care willingness than single patients. Conclusion While patients exhibit adequate self-care willingness, critical gaps persist in self-care knowledge and skills. Socioeconomic factors, including occupational stability, marital status, residential arrangement, and income level, create distinct risk profiles for post-discharge adaptation. These findings advocate for stratified nursing interventions incorporating targeted skills training, spousal education programs, and socioeconomic support systems to optimize long-term stoma care outcomes.