Parts 2 and 3 included 2 validated scales assessing HRQOL and social support,
respectively. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer TherapyColorectal
instrument. Social support received was assessed using the Berlin Social Support Scale. In the case
of both scales, the respondents were asked to assess their status during the last 7 days. The study was
conducted by an interviewer during monthly meetings of colostomy support groups as well as during
hospitalization. The respondents gave their verbal answers to questions read by the interviewer or completed
the questionnaires by themselves.