Risk factors for tubal ligation: regret and psychological effects impact of Beck Depression Inventory.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relation of sterilization and depression in association with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and to analyze whether preoperative BDI scores have predictive value on satisfaction.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-two women who had laparoscopic surgical sterilization were recruited into the study. Patients identified to have an intra-abdominal disease such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or adnexal lesions, myoma uteri and previous cesarean delivery were excluded from the study. Women were administered the BDI 1 week prior to the operation and 1 year after the procedure, and patients were asked if they were satisfied with their new state of fertility.

RESULTS

Mean BDI scores were 10.1+/-2.7 and 12.9+/-4.0, preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively (p<.001). The difference between preoperative and postoperative BDI scores was affected by age and satisfaction status; younger patients had significantly increased postoperative scores. Dissatisfied women had higher pre- and postoperative BDI scores (p<.001). The difference between pre- and postoperative scores was increased significantly in the dissatisfied group. Preoperative BDI score was found to be a significant predictor of satisfaction status 1 year after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative application of BDI can identify women who are at greater risk for regret and dissatisfaction.