The effect of hysterectomy on the quality of life in Caucasian and Hispanic women

This study compared the effect of medically advised hysterectomy on the quality of life (QOL) in Caucasian and Hispanic women in South Texas when measured at 12 and 20 weeks after hysterectomy. Data were collected from 26 Caucasian and 28 Hispanic women utilizing the World Health Organization Quality of Life abbreviated instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) and a demographic questionnaire. The WHOQOL-BREF assessed QOL on four domains (physical health, psychological, social relationships and environment) and two facets (overall QOL and general health). An exploration of summative scoring for the four WHOQOL domains and correlations with the QOL question was conducted.

Following IRB approval and agency permissions, recruitment occurred in selected hospitals and physician offices and through newspaper advertisements and church newsletters. Consent was solicited via telephone and confirmed by subsequent mailed/faxed signed consent forms. Data collection occurred via telephone at 12 and 20 weeks after hysterectomy.

Data analysis revealed the two ethnic groups were homogenous except for years of education and number of children. Correlations revealed there were no statistically significant associations between the QOL question and age, years of education, and income at either time frame. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences between ethnic groups for any of the domains or the QOL and general health questions on the WHOQOL-BREF. There were also no statistically significant differences from 12 to 20 weeks following hysterectomy excepting the social relationships domain, where mean scores for both groups significantly increased from 12 to 20 weeks ( F (1,52) = 4.279, p =.044). A summative score of the WHOQOL-BREF was significantly associated with the QOL question indicating the summative WHOQOL-BREF score may be a valid indicator of overall QOL.

Recommendations included educating nurses regarding the lack of significance between ethnicities in this sample and informing Caucasian and Hispanic women they can expect improvements in the social relationships domain over time. The women indicated that patient education was lacking prior to surgery and an opportunity to share their experiences was desired.