Psychosocial implications of tubal ligation in a rural health district: A phenomenological study

This qualitative study used a semi-structured questionnaire in a phenomenological paradigm to collect data. Fifteen participants were purposefully selected among sterilized women who had a ligation procedure performed, were aged between 30 and 40 years, and were living within the catchment area of the district hospital. Data were collected by two registered nurses, tape-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Reading and re-reading cut and paste techniques, and integration were used to establish codes, categories, themes, and description.Diverse and sometimes opposite changes in somatic symptoms, psychological symptoms, productivity, ecological relationships, doctor-client relationships, ethical issues, and change of life style were the major problem domains.Clients reported conflicting experiences in several areas of their lives after tubal sterilization. Management, including awareness of the particular features of the client, is needed to decrease the likelihood of psychosocial morbidity and/or to select clients in need of sterilization.Tubal sterilization is the most practiced method of contraception globally [1-3]. It has been estimated that the procedure has been performed on 190 million women worldwide [4]. Among other advantages, tubal sterilization is a balanced contraceptive method [1]. It offers effective protection against pregnancy, eliminates the need for long-term contraceptive supplies, and has a low risk of exposing women to complications when carried out according to standards. Surgical sterilization is a safe, convenient, easy, and highly effective birth control method for the long term [4]. Furthermore, female sterilization is the best option for countries in the Sub-Saharan region as it can be performed during hospitalization for either normal delivery or caesarean section, saving a return visit and allowing a single recovery period for the surgical procedure and the delivery [5]. Although doing so is not in compliance with the required 40 days post