Publication:

Psychological well-being, marital adjustment and quality of life after hysterectomy: a comparative study

Background Hysterectomy is the most common major gynecological surgery often performed for benign lesions. Many studies have reported adverse psychosocial outcomes post-hysterectomy. There is a paucity of studies from India addressing psychiatric morbidity after hysterectomy. To evaluate psychological wellbeing, marital adjustment and quality of life in patients undergoing hysterectomy for non-malignant conditions, in comparison with patients undergoing surgery other than hysterectomy.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 consecutive out-patients who underwent hysterectomy for non-malignant indications at least 6 months ago. The comparison group comprised of 50 consecutive out-patients who underwent gynecological surgery other than hysterectomy at least 6 months ago formed the comparison group. The study participants were evaluated on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Psychological General Well-being Index (PGWBI), Marital Adjustment Test (MAT) and Women’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (WOMQOL).

Results The indications for hysterectomy were: uterine leiomyoma (69%), uterovaginal prolapse (18%), dysfunctional uterine bleeding (12%), and endometriosis (1%). Abdominal hysterectomy was performed in 92 patients while 8 patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy. There were no significant differences in the study groups on scores of HADS, PGWBI, MAT and WOMQOL (p>0.05). Both the study groups had good marital adjustment and majority reported no depression and anxiety.

Conclusions There is no major psychiatric morbidity, decline in marital adjustment and quality of life after hysterectomy for benign conditions among Indian women. Future research on the ethno-cultural implications and effect of hysterectomy on mental health will be a significant addition to the available evidence in India.