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.