Quality of Life for Women after Hysterectomy

The aim of this study was to: assess quality of life for women after hysterectomy. Design: Descriptive study. Setting: The study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital and Bab El Sha'rya University Maternity hospital. Sampling: Purposive sample of 160 women with hysterectomy. Data collection: Two tools were used; 1st tool: An interviewing questionnaire included six parts: Part I: Socio-demographic characteristics, Part II: a) Reproductive history b) Health history, Part III: Factors related to hysterectomy, Part IV: a) Assessing health complaints after hysterectomy b) Assessing health problems after hysterectomy c) Assessing health needs after hysterectomy, Part V: Assessing women's knowledge about hysterectomy, Part VI: Assessing women's quality of life after hysterectomy. 2nd tool: Follow up medical record Results: Family history, unhealthy life style, and obesity were found to be associated factors with hysterectomy. Most of women had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding hysterectomy. Constipation, osteoporosis, dyspareunia, and anxiety were found to be the most health problems after hysterectomy. More than three quarters of women were not compliant with follow up after hysterectomy. Less than half of women reported poor quality of life after hysterectomy. Conclusion: A highly statistically significant difference was found between the studied women's knowledge and their quality of life after hysterectomy. Statistical significant differences were found between the studied women's socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge, their compliance with follow up, and their quality of life after hysterectomy. Recommendations: This study recommended increasing the awareness among women after hysterectomy through effective educational programs, carrying out effective discharge plans for women with hysterectomy including follow up visits schedule, the required examinations and healthy lifestyle guidelines.