Hysterectomy: beliefs and attitudes expressed by African-American women.
OBJECTIVE
Racial/ethnic differences in the rates of hysterectomy have been noted historically. The aim of this study was to explore the beliefs and attitudes of African-American women regarding hysterectomy recommended for non-life threatening conditions.


METHODS
Women, aged 30-65 years, were recruited from public health clinics and community agencies for participation in focus groups guided by a semi-structured questionnaire. Transcripts were analyzed both manually and using NUD*IST software.


RESULTS
Thirty-eight women participated in six focus groups. Hysterectomy had been recommended for 15% of the women. Four categories and 11 themes emerged from the sessions. Categories included: definitions of hysterectomy and medical indications; resources consulted in the decision-making process; outcomes of hysterectomy; and interactions with the health care community.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to assess a patient's perceptions and preferences regarding treatment options. The women in this study advocated the delay or avoidance of surgery, or the use of alternative methods of treatment in lieu of hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions. Physicians who recommend hysterectomy should consider the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of patients.
Shelton
A J
AJ
Epidemiology Discipline, University of Texas-Houston, School of Public Health TX 77030, USA. ashelton@utshp.sph.uth.tmc.edu
Lees
E
E
Groff
J Y
JY
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude / Q000208:ethnology*; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D019359:Knowledge; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012067:Religion; D012747:Sexual Partners; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas; D016387:Women's Health