SAHELI: Study and action on hysterectomy: Evidence on women’s health through the life course in India—Protocol for a mixed-methods study
Document Type
Protocol
Publication Date
10-15-2024
Abstract
Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is one of the most common surgeries performed on women. While it can be life-saving for specific conditions, hysterectomy conducted much before natural menopause (early hysterectomy) can also have negative consequences on women’s health, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis. Most research on hysterectomy is from high-income countries. However, recent national studies in India indicate high rates of hysterectomy in some regions, amongst women in their mid-thirties - at least a decade before natural menopause. It is also more common amongst disadvantaged women in rural areas and with less education.
We have initiated a new study, SAHELI, to investigate the individual, health system and social drivers of early hysterectomy in India and to explore the effects on women through the life course. We will conduct large-scale surveys of women ages 25–49 years in three Indian states with high prevalence of hysterectomy. Subsequently, we will conduct in-depth qualitative interviews with women who have undergone hysterectomy or sought gynaecological treatment, along with health care providers and other influences in women’s lives. We will combine these findings with evidence syntheses and consultations with women’s groups, health care providers and policymakers.
This study will contribute first-time evidence on hysterectomy and women's health in India, with a focus on understanding influences on women's health through the life course. We will gain insights into women's treatment choices and health care options when faced with gynaecological morbidity, as well as the consequences of undergoing early hysterectomy on physical and social well-being. Bringing together a wide range of evidence, we aim to provide policy-relevant insights on potential interventions to improve women’s health in India and similar settings.
Recommended Citation
Desai, Sapna, Dipti Govil, Devaki Nambiar, Hemali Heidi Sinha, Archana Roy, Kranti Vora, Josyula K. Lakshmi, Archana Kumari, Gita D. Mishra, and Neerja Bhatla. 2024. "SAHELI: Study and action on hysterectomy: Evidence on women’s health through the life course in India—Protocol for a mixed-methods study," Wellcome Open Research 9:584.
Language
English