Prevalence and associated factors of pelvic organ prolapse among women attending gynecologic clinic in referral hospitals of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis While pelvic organ prolapse is common in clinical observation, there is a lack of evidence regarding its actual proportion and associated factors in the study area. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors could potentially help with prevention. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors related to pelvic organ prolapse in the Amhara region, northwest Ethiopia.Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 women, recruited by the systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected in a face-to-face interview using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire to assess the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and the socio-demographic, obstetric, gynecologic, medical and surgical characteristics. The stage of prolapse was determined by pelvic examination using the Simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification staging system. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were employed.Results The overall prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (stage I-IV) was found to be 37.6% when determined by pelvic examination and 9.2% as assessed by prolapse symptoms. Age ≥ 40 years [AOR 2.46 (1.320, 5.314)], age at first delivery ≤ 20 years [AOR 4.719 (2.44, 9.11)], carrying heavy objects for ≥ 5 hours a day [AOR 12.724 (4.89, 33.07)], parity ≥ 4 [AOR 3.739 (1.693, 8.208)], prolonged labor [AOR 3.487 (1.699, 7.159)], constipation [AOR 2.835 (1.273, 6.317)] and anemia [AOR 2.22 (1.049, 4.694)] were significantly associated with pelvic organ prolapse.Conclusion Prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse is high in the area; thus, developing information and education programs on avoiding risk factors is advisable to reduce the problem.
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A recent study reported that anemia and carrying heavy objects for more than 5 hours a day are risk factors for developing pelvic organ prolapse.
“For example, a recent study reported that among others, anemia and carrying heavy objects for more than 5 hours a day are risk factors for developing POP 61 .”
From Risk factors for primary pelvic organ prolapse and prolapse recurrence: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis (2022) · cites this paper as [61]
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- Authors
- Muche, H. A., Kassie, F. Y., Biweta, M. A., Gelaw, K. A., & Debele, T. Z.
- Affiliations
- University of Gondar (ET)
- Wolaita Sodo University (ET)
- Corresponding author
- Muche, Haymanot Alem
- Venue
- International Urogynecology Journal
- Published
- 2021-04-17
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1419-1426
- ISSN
- 0937-3462 (ISSN-L)
- 1433-3023
- OpenAlex
- W3153562711
- Cited by
- 17
- References
- 26
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 2
- FWCI
- 1.69
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Urogynecology Journal (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Pelvic floor disorders treatments
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Uterine Myomas and Treatments
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
- Keywords
- pelvic organ prolapse, prevalence, risk factors, age at first birth, parity, prolonged labor, constipation, anemia, heavy lifting, Amhara region
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Ethiopia, Female, Hospitals, Humans, Pregnancy, Referral and Consultation, Risk Factors, Prevalence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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