Patterns of hysterectomy in India: a national and state-level analysis of the Fourth National Family Health Survey (2015-2016)

Objective The National Family Health Survey-4 in India provided the first nationally representative estimates of hysterectomy among women aged 15-49. This paper aims to examine the national and state-level age-specific prevalence of hysterectomy, individual and household level factors associated with the procedure, and state-level indicators that may explain variation across states. Design Cross-sectional, nationally representative household survey. Setting National Family Health Survey was conducted across all Indian states and union territories between 2015 and 2016. Population The survey covered 699 686 women between the ages of 15 and 49 years. Methods Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Main outcome measures Women who reported ever having a hysterectomy and age at hysterectomy. Results Age-specific prevalence of hysterectomy was 0.36% (0.33,0.39) among women aged 15-29; 3.59% (3.45,3.74) among women aged 30-39; and 9.20% (8.94,9.46) among women 40-49 years. There was considerable variation in prevalence by state. Four states reported age-specific prevalence similar to high-income settings. Approximately two-thirds of hysterectomies were conducted in private facilities, with similar patterns across age groups. At the national level, higher age and parity (at least two children); not having had formal schooling; rural residence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.36; 95% CI 1.27,1.45; P < 0.01) and higher wealth status were associated with higher odds of hysterectomy. Previously sterilised women had lower odds (AOR 0.64; 95% CI 0.61,0,68; P < 0.01) of reporting hysterectomy. Exploratory analyses suggest state-level factors associated with prevalence of hysterectomy include caesarean section, female illiteracy, and women's employment. Conclusions Hysterectomy patterns among women aged 15-49 in India indicate the critical need to ensure treatment options for gynaecological morbidity and to address hysterectomy among young women in particular. Funding This study was part of the RASTA initiative of the Population Council's India country office under the Evidence Project supported by USAID. Tweetable abstract Hysterectomy patterns in India highlight the need for alternatives to treat gynaecological morbidity among younger women.