A STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WOMEN UNDERGOING HYSTERECTOMY FOR BENIGN GYNAECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

Background: Hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed major gynaecological procedures for benign uterine disorders. While it effectively relieves physical symptoms, its influence on psychological well-being and quality of life remains an important aspect of postoperative recovery. The present study assessed changes in psychological status and quality of life among women undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 100 women undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynaecological diseases at a tertiary care teaching hospital between October 2024 and March 2026. Psychological status was assessed preoperatively and six weeks postoperatively using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), while quality of life was evaluated using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and postoperative psychological status and quality of life were analysed using appropriate statistical tests. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 45.33 ± 6.22 years. Fibroid uterus (37%) was the most common indication for hysterectomy, followed by adenomyosis (27%). Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 78% of women. Significant reductions were observed in mean depression (11.01 ± 4.33 vs. 5.48 ± 3.07), anxiety (9.39 ± 4.14 vs. 4.46 ± 2.35), stress (13.85 ± 3.87 vs. 8.13 ± 4.56), and total DASS-21 scores (34.25 ± 6.89 vs. 18.07 ± 6.05) following surgery (all p<0.001). Significant improvements were also observed in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains of WHOQOL-BREF (all p<0.001). Overall quality of life improved significantly (p=0.001), whereas health satisfaction did not show a statistically significant change (p=0.098). Anaemia was the only clinical factor significantly associated with postoperative quality of life (p=0.0485). Conclusion: Hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions was associated with significant improvement in psychological well-being and multidimensional quality of life within six weeks of surgery. Routine assessment of psychological health and quality of life using validated instruments may facilitate comprehensive perioperative care and improve patient-centred outcomes.