The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Comparison of Quality Of Life in Gender Identity Disorders after Sex Reassignment Surgery with Normal Women in Tehran, Iran, 2012

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fatemeh Vasegh Rahimparvar 1
Mahdieh Sadat Mousavi 2
Firouzeh Rayisi 3
Farideh Khodabandeh 4
Naser Bahrani 5
1 Lecturer, Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 M.Sc. Student of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4 Associate Professor, Department of Forensics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5 Lecturer, Department of Biostatistics, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.22038/ijogi.2013.1977
Abstract
Introduction: Promotion of quality of life in many communities is seen as their major effort. Patients with gender identity disorder are at greater risk of mental health problems because of the gender issues and pressures upon them. This study was done aimed to compare the quality of life in patients with gender identity disorders after sex reassignment surgery with normal women.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 46 male to female transsexual in Tehran, Iran, 2012. 184 normal women as controls were selected to compare quality of life and associated individual factors. Demographic information was collected and a standard questionnaire of quality of life (SF36) was used in both groups.
Results: The quality of life showed significant differences in transsexual women regarding education level in aspect of physical function (p=0.04), occupational status in aspects of social function and general health (p=0.03 and p=0.01, respectively), history of psychiatric problems in aspect of mental health (p=0.03) and income adequacy in aspect of general health (p=0.01).
Conclusion:Total score of quality of life among transsexual women is similar to normal women. Quality of life among transsexual women is associated with level of education, job, income adequacy and mental stability.

 
Keywords
Gender Identity
Quality of life
Sex Reassignment Surgery