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.