PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITIES IN WOMEN UNDERGOING HYSTERECTOMY; A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and severity of psychiatric disorders among women undergoing hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions and to compare these findings with a control group undergoing other gynecological surgeries.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study

Place of Study: Department of Psychiatry/ Gynae & Obs Mardan Medical Complex (MMC), Mardan from January 5, 2020, to 6 July, 2020.

Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional Study design was used, involving 40 women undergoing hysterectomy and a control group of 40 women undergoing other gynecological surgeries. Participants were assessed using Sinha’s Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) preoperatively and four weeks postoperatively. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests for categorical data and Wilcoxon signed rank tests for continuous data.

Results: The hysterectomy group had a higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses (13.9%) compared to the control group (2.78%). Postoperatively, the hysterectomy group showed significant improvements in SAS scores (46.123 to 37.482) and HDRS scores (8.234 to 7.121), indicating reduced anxiety and depression.

Conclusion: Women undergoing hysterectomy are more likely to have psychiatric comorbidities, yet they experience significant psychological improvement post-surgery. Comprehensive preoperative and postoperative psychiatric evaluations are recommended to optimize health outcomes.