Patterns of hysterectomy in India: a national and state-level analysis of the Fourth National Family Health Survey (2015-2016)

Abstract

Objective: The National Family Health Survey-4 in India provided the first nationally representative estimates of hysterectomy among women aged 15-49. This paper aims to examine the national and state-level age-specific prevalence of hysterectomy, individual and household level factors associated with the procedure, and state-level indicators that may explain variation across states.

Design: Cross-sectional, nationally representative household survey.

Setting: National Family Health Survey was conducted across all Indian states and union territories between 2015 and 2016.

Population: The survey covered 699 686 women between the ages of 15 and 49 years.

Methods: Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression.

Main outcome measures: Women who reported ever having a hysterectomy and age at hysterectomy.

Results: Age-specific prevalence of hysterectomy was 0.36% (0.33,0.39) among women aged 15-29; 3.59% (3.45,3.74) among women aged 30-39; and 9.20% (8.94,9.46) among women 40-49 years. There was considerable variation in prevalence by state. Four states reported age-specific prevalence similar to high-income settings. Approximately two-thirds of hysterectomies were conducted in private facilities, with similar patterns across age groups. At the national level, higher age and parity (at least two children); not having had formal schooling; rural residence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.36; 95% CI 1.27,1.45; P < 0.01) and higher wealth status were associated with higher odds of hysterectomy. Previously sterilised women had lower odds (AOR 0.64; 95% CI 0.61,0,68; P < 0.01) of reporting hysterectomy. Exploratory analyses suggest state-level factors associated with prevalence of hysterectomy include caesarean section, female illiteracy, and women's employment.

Conclusions: Hysterectomy patterns among women aged 15-49 in India indicate the critical need to ensure treatment options for gynaecological morbidity and to address hysterectomy among young women in particular.

Funding: This study was part of the RASTA initiative of the Population Council's India country office under the Evidence Project supported by USAID.

Tweetable abstract: Hysterectomy patterns in India highlight the need for alternatives to treat gynaecological morbidity among younger women.

Keywords: India; epidemiology; gynaecology; hysterectomy; menstrual bleeding.

Figure 1

(A,B) Distribution of age at hysterectomy and prevalence of hysterectomy among women aged 15–49 in Indian states, 2015–2016.