Self‐Care Experiences of Patients Who Have Recently Undergone Colostomy: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Aim This study explored the postoperative self‐care experiences of patients who underwent colostomy in Indonesia. Design A qualitative study with a cross‐sectional and descriptive design. Methods Through purposive sampling, we enrolled 20 patients (men, n=14) who had undergone colostomy in Indonesia. In 2020, in‐person interviews were conducted to collect data for content analysis. Results Content analysis revealed six themes: primary stressors, secondary stressors, coping style, family support, outcome expectations, and professional resources. Patients who have undergone colostomy often experience challenges (primary and secondary stressors) in fulfilling their self‐care needs. They can overcome these challenges through personal coping strategies and family support. The patients also require that professional resources meet their expectations. Patient or Public Contribution This study highlights the real‐life experiences of patients living with a colostomy in Indonesia. Their insights provide valuable information on the challenges they face and the coping strategies they use. By understanding their experiences, health‐care professionals, policymakers, and the public can develop better support systems, educational programmes, and related resources to improve the quality of life for colostomy patients.