Abstract
Objectives: This article examines characteristics of women who have had hysterectomies in the Canadian population aged 35 and over.
Data Sources: The main data source is the 1998/99 National Population Health Survey. Supplementary data were obtained from the hospital morbidity files maintained by Statistics Canada for 1981/82 to 1995/96.
Results: Between 1981/82 and 1995/96 there was a decline in the hysterectomy rate from 937 per 100,000 to 663. Most of the decline in hysterectomy rates has occurred for abdominal hysterectomies. The national rate for abdominal hysterectomies declined from 725 per 100,000 to 425 during the period. However, vaginal hysterectomy rates increased slightly during the period from 195 to 211 per 100,000. In 1981 vaginal hysterectomies represented about 22% of all hysterectomies compared to 32% in 1995/96. Between 1981/82 and 1995/96 the mean length of stay associated with hysterectomies declined over all age groups.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis of hysterectomy rates suggests that regional differences in surgery rates are not attributable to differences in the characteristics of the female population. A logistic regression analysis that controlled on age, hysterectomy status and hormone replacement therapy showed that women who had a hysterectomy tend to have higher rates of arthritis, cancer, heart disease, multiple chronic diseases, activity limitation, and chronic pain. They were also heavier users of physician services, more likely to have been a hospital inpatient in the previous year and more likely use multiple medications compared to women who did not have a hysterectomy.
Keywords: Surgical rates, hysterectomy, logistic model
Learning Objectives: During this session participants will acquire knowledge about major trends in hysterectomy in Canada between 1982 and 1996. Participants will acquire knowlege about the association of hysterectomy with income, eduction, and family medical history and be able to evaluate the relative strength of social characteristics on the odds of a hysterectomy. Participants will evaluate the possible association between hysterectomy and current health status among women who have had the procedure
Keywords: Women's Health, Survey
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.