Educators, warriors and reformers: A thematic analysis of how ostomates portray themselves on TikTok

Abstract

Inflammatory Bowel Disease often causes abdominal pain, faecal urgency and a range of other symptoms, and is a common chronic disease among young people. Stoma surgery seeks to alleviate these symptoms, though complications often arise from surgery and many stoma patients experience various stigmas. Young people with chronic conditions are increasingly gathering online to share their experiences of illness. Given the rise in popularity of TikTok and its appeal to young people, this study explored how young ostomates with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and a stoma portray themselves on TikTok. Using thematic analysis, three themes were identified in which ostomates portrayed themselves as educators, warriors and reformers, providing education, support and guidance to the wider stoma community. These findings show that TikTok offers an innovative platform for ostomates’ self-presentations and a novel space health professionals should harness to better support ostomates.