Abstract

Aims and background: Quality of life is the standard outcome in health care system. Hysterectomy is the most common treatment for women with gynecological problems. Loss of uterus is perceived as the loss of female identity in women especially those in the reproductive age, have partner, low educational level, no funds saving. These factors might influence the quality of life after surgery. Purpose of this study was to assess factors that predict the quality of life in Thai women after hysterectomy at Ramathibodi hospital.

Methods: This descriptive predictive research was studied in 132 women who had hysterectomy at Ramathibodi hospital between January 2013-March 2016. The instruments were (1) the personal data and health status questionnaires developed by the researchers, and (2) the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Thai version (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI) developed by WHO. Alpha Cronbach’s coefficient for WHOQOL-BREF-THAI questionnaires in this study was 0.88. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis using enter technique.

Result: The age of samples was ranged from 21-76 years (mean=50.74, SD=9.49), health status (mean=3.50, SD=0.86, range 2-5) and overall quality of life scores (mean=88.18, SD=12.10, range 63-118). Women were over 45 years old 73.50%; had education level equal to/more than bachelor’s degree 66.70%; had a partner 56.10%; and had financial saving 59.10%. Health status and age were significant predictors of quality of life (p<0.001). The presence of a partner also predicted the quality of life (p=0.045). However, education level and financial status could not predict the quality of life in women with hysterectomy.

Conclusion: Results from this study can be used as evidence-based to improve quality of life in women after hysterectomy. Health care providers should focus on in women with poor health status, post reproductive age, no partner, lower education level, and lower financial saving to provide their information need, social support, and solve their concerns as the women’s need to achieve their quality of life.

Keywords: Quality of life; Hysterectomy; Thai women; Factors predicting