Reasons for middle-aged women in Taiwan to choose hysterectomy: a qualitative study using the bounded rationality perspective

Prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy in India

Increase in the prevalence of hysterectomy among low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India has become a significant concern. Reports based on either a particular group or region show an increasing trend in hysterectomy, but there is a dearth of national-level data in this domain. Hence, there seems to be an urgent need to garner evidence on the prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy, which could pave the way for future programs and policies. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of hysterectomy and assess its determinants using a nationally representative sample. An observational analysis was conducted using data from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017-2018. 38,154 women aged > 18 years were included. A multivariable logistic regression, presented as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to predict the association between various socio-demographic characteristics and hysterectomy. A separate multivariable logistic regression model was executed to determine the association between selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and hysterectomy. Survey weights compensated the complex study design. The overall prevalence of hysterectomy was around 11.35%. Excessive menstrual bleeding followed by fibroids emerged as the leading causes of hysterectomy. The various determinants of hysterectomy were urban residents [AOR: 1.54 (1.21-1.96)], other backward class [AOR: 2.19 (1.72-2.78], working women [AOR: 1.19(1-1.42)] and the most affluent (rich) group [AOR: 2.06 (1.62-2.63)]. Hysterectomy was associated with cancer [AOR: 4.83 (2.51-9.29)], diabetes [AOR: 1.79 (1.25-2.57)], hypertension [AOR: 1.48 (1.27-1.71)] and joint diseases [AOR: 1.43 (1.09-1.88)]. Hysterectomy is considerably prevalent in India, which cannot be overlooked. Health promotion regarding hysterectomy and its implications is needed especially among urban residents, affluent groups and those with a higher body mass index. Health programmes aimed at women should follow a life course approach by prioritizing health and overall well-being even after reproductive years.

Women's interdependence after hysterectomy: a qualitative study based on Roy adaptation model

Background

Hysterectomy is a difficult process that some women encounter that can affect their interdependence, but its impact on women’s Interdependence has received less attention. Therefore, this study aimed to explain women’s Interdependence after hysterectomy.

Methods

This qualitative study was performed using a directed content analysis approach in Mashhad (Iran). Thirty women with a history of hysterectomy were included in the study by purposive sampling method. Data were collected from August 2018 to November 2019 using semi-structured interviews based on the interdependence mod of the Roy adaptation model until data saturation. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA software and the deductive approach of Elo and Kingas (J Adv Nurs 62(1):107–115, 2008. 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04569.x).

Results

Data analysis led to the production of 537 initial codes from participants’ experiences. By merging and categorizing them, the theme of “increasing interdependence” emerged, which consists of 2 categories: “Evolution independence and interaction with important people in life” and “Reinforced support system”, that include six subcategories.

Conclusion

After hysterectomy, women not only feel a strong need for support from family members, especially their husbands, they are also seeking support from health care providers and their colleagues. Before the hysterectomy, it is recommended that family members be consulted to ensure the emotional support and care of women after the hysterectomy. It can help the adaptation to hysterectomy.

Body image concerns in individuals diagnosed with benign gynaecological conditions: scoping review and meta-synthesis

Background

Benign gynaecological conditions (BCGs) and body image-related concerns are commonly experienced by reproductive-aged female-identified individuals. Qualitative evidence from cancer populations identifies a link between diseases of the sexual organs and body image distress encompassing appearance, sensory and functional aspects. Most BCGs and the impacts on body image have been studied separately. However, commonalities exist between these conditions including chronicity, diagnostic delays, and menstrual-related social stigma. This systematic scoping review and meta-synthesis aimed to compare and contrast the experience of body image in the benign conditions of endometriosis, polycystic ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.

Method

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, and Allied and Complementary Medicine) were searched in February 2020 and relevant articles were examined to identify papers that qualitatively explored the relationship between body image and BCGs. Meta-synthesis was used to analyse the 17 papers that met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Six main themes evolved from this iterative analysis: loss of control; regained control; silence – menstrual concealment; cultural differences; feeling abnormal, and functional impairment. Body image concerns were widespread although impacts on individual’s lives were dependent on the unique symptom profile of each disease which interacted with socio-cultural factors, daily functioning, and feminine identity. Body image concerns were a common, but hidden, experience rarely screened in routine clinical settings despite causing significant distress.

Conclusions

The chronicity and severity of individuals unique symptom profile often determined the intensity and type of body image concerns individuals described. Across conditions, body image concerns were often left untreated, were concealed, and were associated with reduced quality of life.

Factors influencing women's decision making in hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

To explore factors influencing how well-informed women felt about hysterectomy, influences on their decision making, and on them receiving a less-invasive alternative to open surgery.

METHODS

Online questionnaire, conducted in 2015-2016, of women who had received a hysterectomy in Australia, in the preceding two years.

RESULTS

Questionnaires were completed by 2319/6000 women (39% response). Most women (n=2225; 96%) felt well-informed about hysterectomy. Women were more aware of the open abdominal approach (n=1798; 77%), than of less-invasive vaginal (n=1552; 67%), laparoscopic (n=1540; 66%), laparoscopic-assisted (n=1303; 56%), and robotic approaches (n=289; 12%). Most women (n=1435; 62%) reported their gynaecologist was the most influential information source. Women who received information about hysterectomy from a GP (OR=1.47; 95% CI 1.15-1.90), or from a gynaecologist (OR=1.3; 95% CI 1.06-1.58), were more likely to feel better informed (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study is important because it helps clinicians, researchers and health policy makers to understand why many women still receive an open abdominal approach despite many learned societies recommending to avoid it if possible.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Additional information, or education about avoiding open abdominal approach where possible may lead to a greater number of women receiving less-invasive types of hysterectomy in the future.