New Hysterectomy Findings from S. Desai and Co-Authors Described (Incidence and determinants of hysterectomy in a low-income setting in Gujarat,…

New Hysterectomy Findings from S. Desai and Co-Authors Described (Incidence and determinants of hysterectomy in a low-income setting in Gujarat, India)

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Women's Health Weekly -- Research findings on Surgery - Hysterectomy are discussed in a new report. According to news reporting out of Gujarat, India, by NewsRx editors, research stated, "Hysterectomy is a leading reason for use of health insurance amongst low-income women in India, but there are limited population-level data available to inform policy. This paper reports on the findings of a mixed-methods study to estimate incidence and identify predictors of hysterectomy in a low-income setting in Gujarat, India."

Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research, "The estimated incidence of hysterectomy, 20.7/1000 woman-years ( 95% CI: 14.0, 30.8), was considerably higher than reported from other countries, at a relatively low mean age of 36 years. There was strong evidence that among women of reproductive age, those with lower income and at least two children underwent hysterectomy at higher rates. Nearly two-thirds of women undergoing hysterectomy utilized private hospitals, while the remainder used government or other non-profit facilities. Qualitative research suggested that weak sexual and reproductive health services, a widespread perception that the post-reproductive uterus is dispensable and lack of knowledge of side effects have resulted in the normalization of hysterectomy. Hysterectomy appears to be promoted as a first or second-line treatment for menstrual and gynaecological disorders that are actually amenable to less invasive procedures. Most women sought at least two medical opinions prior to hysterectomy, but both public and private providers lacked equipment, skills and motivation to offer alternatives. Profit and training benefits also appeared to play a role in some providers' behaviour. Although women with insecure employment underwent the procedure knowing the financial and physical implications of undergoing a major surgery, the future health and work security afforded by hysterectomy appeared to them to outweigh risks. Findings suggest that sterilization may be associated with an increased risk of hysterectomy, potentially through biological or attitudinal links."

According to the news editors, the research concluded: "Health policy interventions require improved access to sexual and reproductive health services and health education, along with surveillance andmedical audits to promote high-quality choices for women through the life cycle."

For more information on this research see: Incidence and determinants of hysterectomy in a low-income setting in Gujarat, India. Health Policy and Planning, 2017;32(1):68-78. Health Policy and Planning can be contacted at: Oxford Univ Press, Great Clarendon St, Oxford OX2 6DP, England. (Oxford University Press - www.oup.com/; Health Policy and Planning - heapol.oxfordjournals.org)

Our news journalists report that additional information may be obtained by contacting S. Desai, Self Employed Womens Assoc SEWA Hlth, Ahmadabad 380006, Gujarat, India. Additional authors for this research include O.M.R. Campbell, T. Sinha, A. Mahal and S. Cousens (see also Surgery - Hysterectomy).

Keywords for this news article include: Gujarat, India, Asia, Gynecologic Surgical Procedures, Reproductive Health, Women's Health, Hysterectomy, Obstetrics, Surgery.

Our reports deliver fact-based news of research and discoveries from around the world. Copyright 2017, NewsRx LLC