My Husband is My Strength: A Phenomenological Study of Women After Hysterectomy

Abstract

Post-hysterectomy women consider hysterectomy as the loss of femininity which significantly impacts the psychological state of the convalescent. The support and motivation from the family, especially the husband tend to affect the wife's life quality and self-confidence after a hysterectomy. Therefore, this study aims to explore the psychological experiences of posthysterectomy women in terms of support from their husbands using a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The participants were selected through the purposive sampling method with inclusion criteria: (1) Women with the history of hysterectomy, (2) Those at productive age (15-64 years old), and (3) Post-hysterectomy respondents living with their husbands. The data were obtained from in-depth interviews with 6 post-hysterectomy participants, and the analysis was carried out using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Technique. The four themes used were: 1) Fear of being abandoned before the procedure, (2) My husband is my strength, (3) I feel the love of my spouse, (4) Thanks for accompanying me, ( 5) Accepting what has happened, (6) I wish we always be together, healthy, and happy. The support in the form of providing motivation, encouragement, and affection for post-hysterectomy women strengthens and improve life quality. In conclusion, with partner support, women feel the affection and love, which relatively increase happiness within the family.