Background: Patients who have undergone a colostomy face a variety of challenges, including
both physical and psychological aspects, which have a significant impact on their overall quality of life.
Peer learning is increasingly being used as a patient education strategy. Aim: This study aimed to assess
the effectiveness of peer-led education on patients' knowledge and practice regarding colostomy care
related to colorectal cancer. Methods: A quasi-experimental (one-group pretest-posttest design) was
conducted. Subjects: The study involved two distinct groups of participants: initially, five patients with
colostomies who satisfied the eligibility criteria and consented to partake in the research as peer educators.
Subsequently, a purposefully selected sample of 30 patients was recruited for this study. Setting: The
research was carried out in the surgical department and outpatient surgery clinic of the Oncology Center
of Mansoura University. Tools: Three tools were utilized in data collection: a structured interviewing
questionnaire, patients' knowledge questionnaire regarding colostomy care, and a colostomy care
observation checklist. Results: A significant difference in knowledge and practice related to colostomy
care was observed before and after the implementation of peer-led education. After education, a strong
positive correlation was found between overall knowledge and practice results one month later.
Additionally, participants with higher levels of knowledge demonstrated better practice outcomes,
indicating the effectiveness of peer-led education in improving both knowledge and practice of colostomy
care. Conclusion: The results of the present research demonstrate that peer education has proven successful
in improving patients' understanding and implementation of colostomy care. Recommendations:
Integration of peer learning into the structured education program for patients with colostomies should be
considered an essential part of standard hospital care before patient discharge