Psychological and sexual problems among women with hysterectomy at Baghdad City

Hysterectomy is one of the most common gynecological operations done worldwide. Early diagnosis of the psychosexual effects of a hysterectomy and the fast application of appropriate treatment can prevent further worsening and persistence of symptoms, especially with respect to higher levels of anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem, and sexual impact after a hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological and sexual problems of women with hysterectomy. A descriptive study was carried out from March 1, 2023 to May 25, 2023 to determine the level of psychosexual problems experienced by women after hysterectomy. A purposive (non-probability) sample of 120 women who visited the outpatient clinic at Baghdad Teaching Hospital and a private gynecological clinic was selected for the study. Data were collected using a constructed questionnaire and self-administration report process for each woman. The questionnaire was prepared by an investigator to achieve the objectives of the study, which consisted of two parts: the first part addressed demographic characteristics of women and the second part consisted of 32 items describing the psychosexual problems of women with hysterectomy. The validity of the questionnaire was determined by a panel of experts and reliability was assessed by using the statistically acceptable alpha correlation coefficient ( r = 89) s. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis (frequency, percentage, mean, and mean score). The results of the study showed that women had moderate levels of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, with the mean score being 2.33, 2.32, and 2.22, respectively, and had moderate levels of sexual problems, with the mean score being 2.39. The study concluded that psychological examination should be performed before women have a hysterectomy and support in coping after a hysterectomy is required to reduce the persistence of the psychological impact.