Comparison of Quality of Life after Hysterectomy in Pre and Post Menopause Period in Iranian Women

Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed major surgical procedures, which is non emergent in 90% of cases and is performed in order to enhance women’s quality of life rather than to save life. Recent studies in this field have manifested different outcomes. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the quality of life after hysterectomy in women with natural menopause and women who had undergone surgery.This cross-sectional study was performed at least 3 months after hysterectomy, on180 women who were selected by random sampling. Quality of life was measured with Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index, which contained 66 items. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and Chi square test, Pearson correlation and variance analysis by SPSS14 software.Mean of quality of life was 11.93 ± 2.55 (min 8.5, Max 21.5). Mean of quality of life score in pre-hysterectomy menopause, post-hysterectomy menopause and non menopause were respectively (12.54±2.73), (11.4±2.31) and (11.58±2.251), and was significantly different in three groups (P=0.003). Social psychological subscales of life quality showed a significant difference in three groups.Low qualities of life were seen after hysterectomy particularly for social and psychological aspects in premenopausal women. Use of alternative treatments for relief of symptoms is recommended as an important component of treatment for these women.