Prevalence, incidence, and sociodemographic and clinical characterization of individuals with an intestinal or urinary stoma in Portugal

Background: Data characterizing individuals with a stoma in Portugal is limited. Establishing epi-demiological estimates can enhance understanding of this population and facilitate the adaptation of healthcare models. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and incidence of individuals in Portugal who have undergone intestinal or urinary ostomy in 2021. Methodology: Observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study using a stoma appliance dispensing database. Results: In 2021, an estimated 22,045 individuals had at least one stoma, with 19,793 [95%CI:19,599;19,994] having an intestinal/urinary stoma. Most of these individuals were men (61.4%) with a mean age of 70.5 years and resided in the inland region of Portugal. Colostomy was the most prevalent type of intestinal/urinary stoma (48.8%). The estimated incidence of new cases was 6,622, of which 5,834 [95%CI:5,680;5,984] were intestinal/urinary stomas. Conclusion: These results characterize the profile of individuals with intestinal and urinary stomas in Portugal. They may be useful in adjusting prevention and health monitoring programs for this population and allocating specialized resources.