Prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in women, associated factors and impact on quality of life in rural Pakistan: population-based study.

Abstract

Background Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a gynecological condition resulting from pelvic floor dysfunction in women. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse associated factors, duration and impact on women's quality of life in rural Pakistan. Methods A large population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in which a three stage random sampling strategy was applied: randomly selected health centres and randomly selected Lady Health Workers from each health centre who then interviewed a random sample of women in their households. The interview used a structured questionnaire to collect symptom data. Female gynaecologists then conducted a clinical examination at the local health centres on women who reported symptoms of prolapse to verify and grade pelvic organ prolapse using Baden-Walker classification system. Results Among the 5064 women interviewed (95.8% response rate), 521 women had clinically confirmed POP, a prevalence of 10.3% (95% CI 9-11%). Among women with POP 37.8% had grade III or IV prolapse. The highest rate of POP (25%) was found in women aged 36-40 years and a rate of 77.2% was found in women of parity 4 or more. Among women with POP, 60.8% reported their quality of life as greatly or moderately affected; 44.3% had it for more than 5 years; and 78.7% never consulted a doctor. Conclusions Pelvic organ prolapse is highly prevalent in rural Pakistan and impacts on women’s everyday lives and remains mainly untreated. Measures should be taken to provide health care services to reduce this burden of disease among women.

Burden of pelvic organ prolapse in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The prevalence of POP in this study is higher than the study done in Nepal [31], Nigeria [32], Ghana [33], and rural Pakistan [34]. This might be due to that this study constitutes the pooled result of different community and institutional based research findings.…”

Pelvic organ prolapse and associated factors among women admitted to gynecology ward at the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Harar, eastern Ethiopia

“…In this study, the prevalence of POP based on the physician record diagnosis was found to be 10.1% (95% CI = 5.8-15), which implies the magnitude of the problem is continuing to be high in Ethiopia. This finding is consistent with the result of studies conducted in Nepal (10.3%), 21 Ghana (12.03%), 27 and China (14.8%). 28 However, the current prevalence is lower than a report of studies conducted in the United Arab Emeritus (UAE, 29.6%), 29 Turkey (27.1%), 30 Tanzania (64.6%), 7 Northwest Ethiopia (56.3%), 31 and Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia (37.6%).…”

“…A checklist was adapted after reviewing different literature, which was modified and contextualized to fit the research objectives. 18,21,22 The checklist includes socio-demographic characteristics, obstetrics and gynecology history, and the reproductive health and medical problems of the study participants. Detailed obstetrics and gynecologic history were taken from the patient’s medical records.…”

Gynaecologists’ views on the management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse: A qualitative study

“…It is a well-known condition including in low-middle income countries. [12][13][14][15] This research explored experienced gynaecologists' opinions and acceptability of LSCP as the standard option in the management of post-hysterectomy VVP. Published research and studies in the literature largely focus on outcomes and modalities rather than examining surgeons' perspectives.…”