Quality of Life for Women at Reproductive Age Post Hysterectomy in Rural Area

Abstract

Abstract Background: Hysterectomy is the most common procedure for women with gynecological problems both benign and malignant tumors. It is done to save women from uterus-related life-threatening problems and for a better and healthy life, Hysterectomy has several impacts on women, affecting their quality of life. Aim of the study: To assess the quality of life for women at reproductive age post hysterectomy in rural area. Design: A descriptive design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: This study was conducted at outpatient gynecological clinics in two hospitals Kafr Elsheikh University Hospital affiliated to Kafr Elsheikh University, and Kafr Elsheikh General Hospital affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Population. Sample: A purposive sample composed of 125 women post hysterectomy. Tools of data collection: Two tools was used: First tool: An interviewing questionnaire: Part 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of women post hysterectomy; Part 2: Health history of women post hysterectomy; Part 3: Women's knowledge regarding hysterectomy; Part 4: Women's health problems post hysterectomy. Part 5: Women's health needs post hysterectomy. Second tool: Quality of life scale: it consisted of: Quality of life for women's post hysterectomy such as (physical, psychological, social and sexual domains). Results: 40% of women were in the age group 30-39 years, with mean age of 34.28±7.185. 71.2% of them had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding hysterectomy, 54.4% of them suffer from anxiety. While, 42.4% suffer from vaginal dryness, 40.8% suffer from constipation, and urinary incontinence. 53.6% didn’t maintain body weight, 56.0% didn’t expose daily to sun, and 57.6% didn’t get enough rest and sleep.while, 46.4% didn’t follow-up after the operation, and 44.8% didn’t take HRT after operation .92% of women had poor total quality of life. Conclusion: More than two thirds of women had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding hysterectomy. More than half of them suffer from anxiety. While, less than half suffer from vaginal dryness, constipation, and urinary incontinence. More than half didn’t maintain body weight didn’t expose daily to sun, and didn’t get enough rest and sleep.while, less than half didn’t follow-up, and didn’t take HRT after operation, the majority of them had poor total QOL post hysterectomy. Recommendations: Provide effective educational programs to increase rural women’s awareness regarding hysterectomy health problems, health needs, and healthy life style programs to improve womens’QOL post hysterectomy.