Uterine health and women's participation in decisions to undergo hysterectomy in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

This Article focuses on uterine health care and women's participation in decisions to undergo hysterectomy. While hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures, not much is known about how women make decisions to undergo such surgery. In South Africa there are health policies that aim to, among other things, increase the participation of patients in decision-making about their health. The Quality in Health Care for South Africa Policy (DoH, 2007) is one such policy, and aims to increase patients' participation and the dignity afforded to them. A sample of women who had undergone hysterectomy because of fibroids was interviewed to gain insight into their participation in deciding to undergo a hysterectomy, and on their experiences of this surgery. The women indicated that the hysterectomy relieved them of the physical pain they suffered before the surgery. However, they expressed frustration because of the lack of adequate information about the procedure as well as a lack of support before and after surgery. They indicated that although they were informed that this was a life-saving procedure, they were not informed about alternatives available to them besides the hysterectomy. They were also not informed about the surgery's possible damaging after effects. These findings indicate that there is a need for health practitioners to ensure that women are given adequate information about available options and possible side effects of the surgery. The findings also reveal that the health care system needs to provide counselling and support, particularly for African women, who may have unique socio-cultural needs. keywordsHysterectomy, decision making, information, reproductive health, choice

Study on awareness, perceptions, experiences in decision process of hysterectomy in women presenting to Goa Medical College

“…2 There are several studies in western countries which explored women's choice to undergo hysterectomy versus non-surgical approaches for benign conditions and few studies also explored women's decision making relating to various surgical approaches available for hysterectomy. 10,11 The knowledge with regards to the surgery in patients is very low, especially in developing country like India. Elgi MC et al in their study showed that the educational intervention is effective in reducing the anxiety and pain among experimental group.…”