Abstract: Objective: To analyze the status and influencing factors of social avoidance and distress among permanent colostomy patients. Methods: A total of 228 permanent colostomy patients were invited to complete a general information questionnaire, the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS), Social Impact Scale (SIS), Self-Concealment Scale (SCS) and Self-Esteem Scale (SES). Results: The SADS scores were 13.32±3.27. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that age, occupation, postoperative time, stigma self-concealment and self-esteem were predictors of social avoidance and distress, which explained 60.4% of the variance. Conclusion: The level of social avoidance and distress in permanent colostomy patients was slightly high, and was affected by several factors. Health care professionals should strengthen patients’ self-esteem, decrease their stigma and self-concealment, in order to improve their social activities.