ABSTRACT
There is little information regarding the psychological experiences of patient with surgical stoma in Iran. Since preventing adverse psychological effects of surgical stomas is important in planning nursing care programs, exploring the experiences of these patients seems necessary. This was a phenomenological qualitative study. A purposeful sample of seventeen hospitalized patients was selected through convenient sampling. They had undergone colostomy surgery in hospitals affiliated to Isfahan Medical University. Data was gathered by means of in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was conducted using the phenomenological analytic method defined by Colaizzi. Seven main themes were obtained related to psychological experiences including depression, feelings of being a burden on family, feelings of worthlessness, distrust, dishonor, non-acceptance and dependency. Based on our findings, psychosocial problems were of the most important experiences mentioned by patients. This finding is congruent with previous similar studies. In a holistic approach, nurses as essential members of health care system should consider patient's psychosocial needs in their care planning