Iranian Women s Self-concept after Hysterectomy: A Qualitative Study

Background: The loss of female organs leads to profound changes in one’s perception of oneself. There is limited information about the impact of hysterectomy on women’s self‑concept and culture. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim to deepen our understanding of the self‑concept of Iranian women after hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using directed content analysis approach. The participants included 30 women with a history of hysterectomy who were selected through purposive sampling method. Data were collected from August 2018 to November 2019 using in‑depth and semi‑structured interviews based on the self‑concept mode of the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) in Mashhad, Iran. Data analysis was performed using the deductive approach of Elo and Kyngäs in MAXQDA software.  Results: As a result of the analysis of the interviews, the main category of “incoherent cognition of self‑concept” emerged, which included the two generic categories of “heterogeneous feelings toward and imaginations of the body” and “changed self‑perception”, and five subcategories. Conclusions: Women’s self‑concept changed after hysterectomy in both its physical and psychological aspects. Therefore, counseling before and after hysterectomy is recommended to improve women’s self‑concept after hysterectomy.