Prevalence and predictors of anxiety and stress among Jordanian women following hysterectomy: an observational multicentre study.

Abstract

Background: Jordan is a collectivist society where fertility is rated highly. Hysterectomy, therefore, has the potential to negatively impact a woman's standing in a collectivist society leading to increased levels of anxiety and stress.

Purpose: To assess the impact of hysterectomy on the levels of anxiety, stress, body appreciation, and social support among women.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized to recruit 251 women post-hysterectomy. The study used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), the Enriched Social Support Instrument (ESSI), and the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS).

Results: Sexual difficulties were experienced by the majority. Severe anxiety was reported by 39% with around 89% of women reporting stress that was moderate or higher. Overall, participants had moderate levels of body appreciation and a high level of perceived support. Sexual problems, body appreciation, stress, post-surgery duration, and social support predicted the levels of anxiety, with both a desire for more children and longer post-surgery durations heightening both anxiety and stress.

Conclusion: Hysterectomy negatively impacts women's mental health, leading to high levels of anxiety and stress. Body appreciation and social support are important facets in buffering the consequences of hysterectomy. A culturally sensitive healthcare addressing the individual needs of women in collectivist communities is paramount.