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.