Women's victimization history and surgical intervention

Research suggests that women who are abused use health care services at higher rates than those who are not abused. Few studies have examined the association between women's history of victimization and surgical intervention. A secondary analysis of quantitative data obtained originally from primary care practice records of 110 women was conducted. The relationship between women's history of victimization and the likelihood that these women had undergone surgery was examined statistically. Findings reveal that women who had experienced childhood abuse, abuse as an adult by an intimate partner, or both underwent a significantly higher number of surgeries and more major surgeries than women with no history of abuse. Screening for victimization history is recommended in perioperative settings to facilitate appropriate intervention.