The association of gynecological symptoms with psychological distress in women of reproductive age: a survey from gynecology clinics in Beirut, Lebanon.
Author: Chaaya MM, Bogner HR, Gallo JJ, Leaf PJ.
Source:
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 24(3), 175-184.
To date there has been no previous research into a possible association between
psychological distress and gynecologic symptoms in the Arab world. We
hypothesized that psychological distress would be associated with specific
gynecologic complaints as well as with psychosocial factors. We conducted a
cross-sectional study of women attending gynecology clinics in Beirut, Lebanon.
The study sample consisted of 355 women aged 18 to 49 years who were seeking
healthcare from gynecologists affiliated with two general teaching hospitals in
Beirut. Psychological distress was assessed using the General Health
Questionnaire (GHQ). Gynecologic complaints were assessed by asking women about
presenting gynecologic symptoms. Women who visited the gynecologists for specific
complaints, for post-surgical follow-up, or for insertion of coils or other
services were more likely to be distressed than women who were attending for a
general checkup (chi 2 = 9.466, p = 0.024). About 50% of women who reported
abdominal pain or breast pain also reported significant psychological distress.
Only bleeding and infertility were not significantly associated with
psychological distress. It is concluded that a high proportion of women who
attend gynecology clinics with specific complaints report psychological distress.
Our findings highlight the importance of considering the psychological component
of gynecological morbidity.