Quality of life, depression and anxiety in women with abnormal uterine bleeding.
Date
2012-11-23
Authors
Golden-Plotnik, Stevi
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Abstract
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) defines any change in the duration , frequency or flow
volume of periods or bleeding between periods. Women experiencing these symptoms are known to have reduced quality of life and experience emotional distress. We sought to quantitatively evaluate quality of life and emotional well-being before and after intervention. Participants were recruited from the Hysterectomy Alternatives Program (HAlt) at the Victoria General Hospital's Mature Women's Centre (MWC). Participants filled out validated questionnaires to measure quality of life, anxiety and depression at three intervals: before intervention and at six weeks and six months post-intervention. We also conducted semi-structured interviews asking the participants to describe their overall experiences of AUB and the emotions associated with it. We confirmed that women with AUB have reduced quality of life and that interventions increase functioning. The participant interviews revealed shared experiences such as social embarrassment, mood changes, and routines to cope with AUB symptoms. We also found, through questionnaires, that women with AUB experience mild anxiety and depression, and that these both improve following treatment. However, this may not reflect their general psychological state, as the interviews showed that most women attribute their anxiety and depression to their AUB.
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Medicine