Background: As the population ages, the number of operations for ostomy construction and the need for stoma management increases. On the other hand, the length of hospitalization has been shortened, but it is difficult for nurses to decide which skills to train patients in for their independence in stoma management during hospitalization.
　Objectives: The degree of independence of the three items of stoma management, changing, emptying, and ordering the ostomy pouch, was surveyed by self-reported questionnaires to clarify the relationship of independence with the current age and stoma duration in Japan.
　Methods: In total, 3,000 ostomates from the client list of 14 ostomy appliance sales agents throughout Japan were invited to the study. To investigate the relationship, the independence of the three stoma management items was analyzed by Chi-square and Cochran-Armitage trend tests according to duration and current age group.
　Results: In total, 1,086 participants（36%）, including 640 men and 436 women, were recruited. Of the participants, 72% were independent in changing the ostomy pouch, 93% in emptying, and 77% in ordering. The proportions of those independent in stoma management were lower for changing and ordering, consistent with the shortness of stoma duration and age of the ostomates; however, almost the same proportion was observed for emptying among ages.
　Conclusions: For hospitalized elderly ostomates, emptying of the ostomy pouch is a basic skill, whereas long-term support is needed for changing and ordering the ostomy pouch.