Effect of Counseling based on Cognitive Behavioral Approach on Self-esteem of Hysterectomized Women of Reproductive Ages

  Background and purpose: Hysterectomy is the second most common cause of surgery in women of reproductive ages. Evidence show that women who undergo hysterectomy suffer from psychological and physical illnesses. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling with cognitive-behavioral approach on self-esteem of hysterectomized women of reproductive ages. Materials and methods: This clinical trial was performed in 40 women aged between 15-45 years who were hysterectomized in Ahvaz Imam and Razi hospitals, 2018. Women with scores ≤15 Rosenberg self-esteem scale were divided into two groups of test (n=20) and control (n=20). The test group attended 12 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the control group received no training. Data were collected using Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis was done applying independent t-test, Chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The mean score for self-esteem was not significantly different between the two groups before the intervention (P= 0.527). But, the mean score for self-esteem before and after the intervention in the test group increased from 12.22±1.83 to 22.72±±1.52 (P< 0.001) and in the control group decreased from 11.89±±1.19 to 11.47±±1.38 (P= 0.001). Also, a significant difference was found between the two groups during the post-intervention period (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral therapy could be used as an effective therapeutic approach to improve the self-esteem of hysterectomized women in reproductive ages.   (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20180222038828N1)