Objective: To evaluate the effect of information provided before surgery on the self-esteem and body image of women undergoing hysterectomy.
Materials and methods: The study had a semi-experimental design with pre-post tests. A total of 60 women were included in the study and divided into two groups, the intervention group (n=30) and control group (n=30). A questionnaire, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and the body image scale were used to collect data.
Results: The pre- and post-test body image scores were similar in the intervention group patients, but the post-test scores were significantly higher in the control group (p<0.05). The pre- and post-test self-esteem scores were again similar in the intervention group, but the post-test scores were significantly lower in the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study revealed that health education given to patients prior to hysterectomy protects body image and consequently self-esteem.
Keywords: Body image; health education; hysterectomy; self-esteem.