Dual trajectories of post-traumatic growth and mental health in hysterectomy patients: a longitudinal study

BackgroundResearch indicates that undergoing a hysterectomy increases a woman's risk of developing long-term mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. At the same time, there is currently a lack of research exploring their mental health from the perspective of positive psychology, such as post-traumatic growth. This study aims to examine the types of developmental trajectories of post-traumatic growth and mental health among hysterectomy patients. It also employs a dual-trajectory model to explore the longitudinal associations between the two trajectories.MethodsThe study enrolled hysterectomy patients at the gynecology department of a tertiary hospital in Guangdong Province between February and December 2024. A general demographic questionnaire, the post-traumatic growth inventory-Chinese version, and the 12-item general health questionnaire were administered at 1 week post-surgery, 1 month post-surgery, and 3 months post-surgery. A total of 220 patients were enrolled, and 190 ultimately completed the follow-up. The group-based trajectory model analyzed the dynamic trajectories of post-traumatic growth and psychological wellbeing among patients, as well as the relationship between these two trajectories. The study was reported using the STROBE checklist.ResultsThe post-traumatic growth trajectories of hysterectomy patients were categorized into four groups: “very low level rising group” (14.0%), “low level rising group” (35.4%), “medium level rising group” (35.1%), and “high level stable group” (15.5%). Mental health trajectories were categorized as “good mental health rising group” (16.8%), “mental health risk reduction group” (62.5%), and “psychological problem relief group” (20.7%). Among patients in the very low level rising PTG group, the probability of being classified into the psychological problem relief group was 49.5% (95% CI: 8.3%−64.3%). Patients in the good mental health rising group had a 42.6% (95% CI: 11.7%−74.5%) probability of being classified into the high level stable group. These results indicate that the two trajectories are highly correlated.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the trajectories of post-traumatic growth and mental health among hysterectomy patients are heterogeneous. The dynamic interdependence between post-traumatic growth and mental health can significantly impact patients' quality of life and overall health.