Comparison between preoperative and postoperative depression scores among genitourinary fistula patients.

Abstract

Objective: To compare depression scores in genitourinary fistula patients according to Glasgow depression scale pre and postoperatively in tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Prospective Cohort study. Setting: Inpatient and Outpatient Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Isra University Hospital Hyderabad. Period: December 2018 to December 2019. Material & Methods: Patients with confirmed genitourinary fistulas undergoing corrective surgery were included. Glasgow Depression scale questionnaire was filled in Gynae ward at time of admission, postoperatively at discharge (14-21 days after surgery) and at 6 months follow-up after discharge in Urogynaecological Out Patient Department. In Glasgow depression scale 20 questions were asked from patients scoring 0,1 and 2 according to answers. Those scored greater than 13 were referred to primary mental health care center and Psychologist. Results: Total of 164 patients had successful genitourinary fistula repair. The average age of women was 47.63 (SD = ±17.1) years. Mean of depression scores preoperatively, at time of discharge and after 6 months of discharge was 19.69 (SD= ±2.61), 14.90 (SD= ±2.22) and 11.34 (SD= ±2.01) respectively. Mean decrease in depression score from preoperative to six months after discharge was 8.35 units, considered statistically significant with p-value less than 0.01. Conclusion: There is significant difference in depression scores preoperatively and postoperatively. Psychological symptoms decreases after surgical correction of fistulas.