PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE AWARENESS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH REPRODUCTIVE PROFILES OF WOMEN IN DUHOK GOVERNORATE

ramzya ramzy MOHAMMED; IMAN YOUSIF ABDULMALEK

ramzya ramzy MOHAMMED university of zakho
IMAN YOUSIF ABDULMALEK Professor, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, MBChB. FICMS

Keywords: Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Awareness, Reproductive age women

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.31386/dmj.2025.19.2.5

Background: Pelvic organ prolapses is a severe gynecological condition affecting women post-childbirth and post-menopause, causing herniation of the uterus, cervix, vaginal wall, bladder, and rectum, causing symptoms like pelvic pressure, vaginal bulging, urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction, the study seeks to identify the socio-demographic and obstetric profiles of the women, evaluate their awareness levels regarding pelvic organ prolapse, and determine the relationships between these characteristics and their awareness.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 women during the period from September to December 2024. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data related to socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, along with women's awareness pelvic organ prolapse.

Results: Among all participants, (20.5%) had been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, and (26.8%) reported a family history of the condition. Only (13.2%) of women without a pelvic organ prolapse diagnosis had good awareness, compared to (53.7%) of those diagnosed. Most awareness came from relatives or friends, while social and mass media played a minimal role. Awareness was significantly associated with prior diagnosis, family history, number of parities, and occupation. However, no significant link was found with age, education, or place of delivery.

Conclusion: The majority of women, particularly those without prior diagnosis, have low awareness about pelvic organ prolapse. However, those with more children, previous diagnoses, or a family history of pelvic organ prolapse have higher awareness.

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References

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