Objective To describe the early self-care ability of patients after colostomy in order to explore its influencing factor. Methods 152 cases of colostomy patients who were admitted to hospitals above grade-two levels from Yiwu City of Zhejiang Province were selected to investigate their self-care ability from May 2008 to May 2010 by self care ability rating scale. Their self care ability was evaluated. Results The self-care ability score of the patients was( 101.31 ± 13.92), and it was related with the patients'age, education degree, income, self- perceived disease severity, length of stay. Conclusions Nurses should pay attention to early self-care ability of colostomy patients in order to improve the quality of life of patients.