Engin TÜRKYILMAZ, Fatma TOK YILDIZ
Sağlık Hizmetleri Araştırma Dergisi - 2026;4(1):22-30
The aim of this study was to determine self -esteem levels in patients with nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion and to examine the socio -demographic and clinical variables affecting self -esteem. The study was conducted in a descriptive and cross -sectional design. Following ethics committee and institutional approval, the study was carried out between December 31, 2024, and May 31, 2025, in the medical and surgical inpatient clinics of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital. A total of 304 patients who met the specified criteria and provided informed consent were included in the study. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Coopersmith Self -Esteem Inventory. Descriptive statistics, Mann -Whitney U test, and Kruskal -Wallis test were used for statistical analyses. The mean self -esteem score of patients with NGT insertion was 43.01+/-0.76, which is considered low. Patients' self -esteem scores were significantly higher with increasing age, among married individuals, among primary school graduates, and among those who were unemployed compared to other groups, and these differences were statistically highly significant . Additionally, self -esteem scores were significantly lower and statistically highly significant among patients receiving treatment in general surgery clinics, those hospitalized for 6 -10 days, those using the NGT for 1 -3 days, those who stated "I don't feel clean" due to the NGT and those who reported that their movements were completely restricted compared to others. It was observed that patients with NGT insertion had low self -esteem and that self -esteem levels were affected by both socio -demographic and clinical factors. The findings highlight the importance of holistic nursing care that takes psychosocial needs into account in this patient group. No studies in the literature were found regarding the effect of NGT insertion, an invasive nursing intervention, on patients' self -esteem, and in this respect, the study is expected to make a significant contribution to nursing science.
