The Comparison of Depression and Anxiety among Sterilized Women and Non-sterilized Group referring to Health Centers of Tabriz. 2004.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: One of the issue which has recently drawn the attention of the experts in the international conferences is the issue of overpopulation. The medical society has offered some effective methods to solve this problem that one method is the sterilizing of women. However, some women who choose this method may suffer a neurotic syndrome which is realized in the form of pain, depression and loss of libido. Fertility has an important symbolic meaning for women and is closely related with their body image and self –concept, thus, the symptoms due to un-fecundability in women must be seriously investigated. Method and Materials: The study design is descriptive –comparative in which 150 sterilized women during 1-10 years ago and 150 con –sterilized women were selected through random sampling. Data collection was done by using Zung's self –rating depression and anxiety scale as well as questions about demographic characteristics and post –sterilization regret. Data were collected from the subjects and analyzed by SPSS11 statistics software. Results: The comparison of means for depression in two groups don't show significantly difference, but the mean of anxiety in the case group including sterilized women was significantly more than the control group (p=0.03). Post –sterilization regret rate was 6% which had significantly relation with women's conflict with their husbands concerning decision making before sterilization (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this research as well as personality and adaptability difference in contract with changes revealed that pre-sterilization counseling and post –sterilization follow up system have an important role in women's psychological health promotion.