The Psychological Wellbeing of Patients Following Excision of a Pilonidal Sinus

Objective: To explore the effects of a pilonidal sinus wound on patients' psychological wellbeing.

Method: An interpretive descriptive approach, using the Model of Living conceptual framework, guided data collection and analysis. The Model of Living was chosen to elicit information on how a pilonidal sinus wound affected activities of living. Participants were recruited from a database of a community nursing service, using purposive sampling, until data saturation was evident. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. Data were examined for frequent patterns, which were organised into themes.

Results: Seven males and four females with ages ranging 17-39 years were selected through purposive sampling. Five participants reported that their wound affected their psychological wellbeing. Three themes and eight sub themes were identified from the data: adaption, perception and control. Depression and stress were associated with pain, physical inactivity, body weight changes and delayed wound healing.

Conclusion: A pilonidal sinus wound can affect the psychological wellbeing of patients through pain,physical inactivity, changed body weight and delayed wound healing. Pre-existing conditions could also be exacerbated by the wound.