Pelvic organ prolapse and reasons for delay in treatment-seeking among women in Dessie Zuriya Woreda, Northeast Ethiopia, 2022

Abstract

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) involves the descent of the anterior or posterior vaginal wall, uterus (cervix), or vaginal apex. Research on POP is limited in Ethiopia despite its prevalence, as highlighted by this study. The prevalence estimate emphasizes the widespread nature of POP among Ethiopian women, revealing gaps in existing data. Objective: To assess the prevalence, associated factors of pelvic organ prolapse, and reasons for delay in treatment-seeking among women. Methods: Community-based mixed cross-sectional studies included quantitative and qualitative components. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used for the respective studies. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse (p < 0.05). Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. Results: The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse was 12.64 % (95 % CI, 10.04–15.23). Women aged ≥55 years [AOR = 3.17, 95 % CI: (1.18, 8.51)], pelvic organ prolapse history [AOR = 3.63, 95 % CI: (1.15, 11.43)], home delivery history [AOR = 16.5, 95 % CI: (7.46, 36.63)], vaginally birth ≥5 times[AOR = 10.35.7, 95 % CI: (4.85, 22.08)], and parity ≥5 [AOR = 5.96, 95 % CI: (2.30, 15.46)] were associated factors of pelvic organ prolapse. The reasons for the delay in treatment seeking were stigma, wrong perceptions, lack of awareness, women’s powerlessness in decision-making, lack of money, and use of alternative healing methods. Conclusion: In light of many women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, promoting family planning, encouraging institutional delivery, offering early screening and treatment, and removing payment fees are recommended interventions.

Keywords

• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Delay in treatment-seeking
• Dessie