The prevalence of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders in women in Bangladesh

Prevalence and associated factors of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders among women living in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Amhara, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Pelvic floor disorders are a group of disorders affecting the pelvic floor that include clinically definable conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. These conditions silently affect millions of women worldwide and related problems are not well disclosed by women due to associated social stigma or lack of access to services in developing countries. Thus, the magnitude and related burden of these conditions vary, and little is known about them. This study was conducted to assess the magnitude and associated factors of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders in Debre Tabor town, Northwest, Ethiopia, from May 30-July 30, 2020.

METHOD

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on child bearing women (> 15 years) who resided in Debre Tabor Town from May 30-July 30, 2020. The participants were selected through multistage systematic random sampling. The data were collected via a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews, entered into Epi-info-7.2, and subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 20. The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders was presented along with the 95% CI.

RESULTS

A total of 402 women participated in this study, 59 (14.7%; 95% CI; 11.4, 18.2) of whom reported one or more types of pelvic floor disorders. The most prevalently reported pelvic floor disorders were pelvic organ prolapse (13.9%; 95% CI: 10.9, 17.4), urinary incontinence (10.9%; 95% CI: 7.4, 9.2) and fecal incontinence (7.7%; 95% CI: 5.2, 10.2). Additionally, aging, multiparity and having early marriage (< 18 yrs.) were identified as potential risk factors associated with pelvic floor disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders in the current study was high. Thus, early detection, preventive and treatment strategies should be considered. In addition, it is better to educate the community and women on the association of early marriage and multiparty with PFDs.

Psychometric evaluation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ-IR) in Iranian reproductive age women

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), as a silent alert, is one of the pervasive debilitating health concerns among women all over the world, such that in developed countries, one in four women, suffers from PFDs. Validity and reliability of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ) has not been determined in Iran, so to determine APFQ's psychometric characteristics, we decided to conduct this study on women of reproductive age in Tabriz city, Iran. This methodological cross-sectional study was intended to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the APFQ-IR in 5 steps including "translation process, content validity, face validity, construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and examination of ceiling and floor effects) and reliability" on 400 reproductive age women referring to health centers in Tabriz city, Iran, with cluster random sampling method in the period between May 2022 to September 2022. The translation process was done based on two approaches, Dual panel, and Beaton et al.'s five steps. Then, in order to evaluate content validity, face validity, and construct validity, 10 instrument and PFDs experts, 10 women from the target group investigated the instrument's items, and 400 eligible women completed the instrument. Finally, to determine the reliability, two internal consistency methods, (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega) and test-retest method (ICC) were used. In the present study, content validity assessment of APFQ-IR, showed a good level of validity (CVR = 0.96, CVI = 0.94). To assess construct validity, exploratory factor analysis results on 36 items, led to the identification of 4 factors including bladder function, bowel function, prolapse symptom and sexual function, which explained 45.53% of the cumulative variance and indicated the sufficiency of the sample size (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.750). Implementing confirmatory factor analysis, (RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.08, TLI = 0.90, CFI = 0.93, χ2/df = 3.52) confirmed the model fit indices. Finally the internal consistency and reliability was high for the entire instrument (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85; McDonald's omega (95% CI) = 0.85 (0.83-0.87) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (95% CI) = 0.88 (0.74-0.94)). The Persian version of the APFQ-IR, has a good validity and reliability and has acceptable psychometric properties, thus can be used both for research purposes and for clinical evaluation of pelvic floor disorders symptoms in health centers.

Menopause symptoms, sexual dysfunctions and pelvic floor disorders in refugee and asylum seeker women: a scoping review

Refugee and asylum seeker women face a variety of health challenges. However, little is known globally about health problems in these women at midlife and beyond, including menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunctions and pelvic floor disorders. This scoping review aimed to understand these neglected health issues with respect to prevalence and risk factors. Eight databases were searched in August 2022 without the limit of publication year. Data were analyzed narratively. A total of 10 reports from seven studies were included with 945 women living in Australia, Canada, the USA and Pakistan. Three reports were addressing menopause, seven addressed sexual dysfunctions and one addressed pelvic floor disorders. There were no data regarding menopause symptoms; however, perceptions of menopause varied widely across studies. Few studies reported a high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and pelvic organ prolapses, but none of them used a validated questionnaire. Taboos and cultural factors, lack of knowledge and education, lack of family support, language insufficiency and financial problems were common barriers to not seeking care for these health issues. This review demonstrates lack of evidence of these neglected health issues in refugee and asylum seeker women at midlife, and further studies with validated questionnaires and larger samples are warranted.

Magnitude of Symptomatic Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Associated Factors Amongst Women in Western Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

The goal of this research was to determine the extent of pelvic floor dysfunction and the factors that contribute to it. The study design was community-focused and cross-sectional, and participants were chosen using a systematic random sampling technique. For data entry and cleansing, we used EPI data version 3.1 software, and for analysis, we used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. The 95% confidence interval was predicted, and the factor with a significant level less than 0.05 was chosen for multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall Magnitude of pelvic floor dysfunction was 37.7% [(95% confidence interval (31.7-42.5)]. The most common type of pelvic floor dysfunction is overactive bladder, which was reported by 135 of all participants. Pelvic organ prolapse accounted for 92 (30.4%) of all cases, and 4 factors were found to be significantly associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. In this study, age 55 years [(AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: (1.52-6.42)], heavy labor work for more than 10 years [(AOR = 3.21; 95% CI: (1.86-5.72) grand-multipara, and being menopause [(AOR = 4.03; 95% CI: (2.20-8.27)] were linked to symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. The magnitude of pelvic floor dysfunction in this study was slightly higher than in Ethiopian studies. Pelvic floor dysfunction has been linked to heavy load lifting, low socioeconomic status, recurrent vaginal deliveries, chronic cough, and menopause. Screening and treatment of pelvic floor disorders should be prioritized in collaboration with regional and zonal health departments.

Restoration of NAD+ homeostasis protects C2C12 myoblasts and mouse levator ani muscle from mechanical stress-induced damage

Excessive mechanical traction damages the levator ani muscle (LAM), increasing the incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). In this study, we explored the effects of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) on the damage to both muscle cells and LAM tissue induced by mechanical stress (MS) at the cellular and animal levels. The cell damage model was established using a four-point bending system. The LAM damage model was established using vaginal distention and traction. Exogenous addition of PJ34, an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), and the nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) precursor of NAD⁺ increased NAD⁺ levels. ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured to assess mitochondrial function. NAD⁺ levels, cell viability, and PARP-1 activity were detected using commercial kits. DNA damage in cells was detected with immunofluorescence staining, and LAM damage was detected with tissue TUNEL staining. PARP-1 activity and DNA damage of LAM were detected by immunohistochemistry. A small amount of DNA damage and PARP-1 activation did not affect NAD⁺ levels, while excessive DNA damage and PARP-1 activation led to an imbalance of NAD⁺ homeostasis. Furthermore, increasing NAD⁺ levels in vivo and in vitro could rescue mitochondrial dysfunction and damage to both muscle cells and LAM tissue induced by MS. In conclusion, MS can induce damage to both C2C12 cells and LAM tissue. Restoring NAD⁺ homeostasis can rescue this damage by improving mitochondrial function.

Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms and knowledge level in obese women

This study compared the pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) symptoms and knowledge levels in obese and non-obese women. The study included 40 obese and 41 non-obese women. The presence of PFD and the severity of its symptoms were questioned with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) (its sub-scales: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6), Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8), Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6)). Participants' PFD knowledge levels were evaluated with the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) and the Anal Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (AIKQ). The rates of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms were higher in the obese group compared to the control group (p = .001). The POPDI-6, CRADI-8, UDI-6, and PFDI-20 scores were higher in the obese group compared to the control group (p < .001). Moreover, the knowledge level related to treatment methods for PFD was lower in the obese women compared to the non-obese women (p < .05). PFD symptom incidence and severity were higher and knowledge levels related to PFD were lower in the obese women compared to the non-obese women. Informative teaching programs on this issue would be beneficial as part of preventive health services.

International urogynecology consultation chapter 1 committee 2: Epidemiology of pelvic organ prolapse: prevalence, incidence, natural history, and service needs

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This narrative review describes the existing epidemiologic literature and identifies gaps regarding pelvic organ prolapse (POP) prevalence, incidence, natural history, and current and future service needs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PubMed search identified relevant citations published in 2000 or later. Pre-specified criteria were used to screen titles, abstracts, and manuscripts, including reference sections. Study findings were summarized to define what is known, identify gaps in current knowledge, and suggest priority areas for future research.

RESULTS

The reported prevalence of POP varies widely (1-65%) based on whether its presence is ascertained by symptoms (1-31%), pelvic examination (10-50%), or both (20-65%). Most existing population-based surveys do not include physical examination data. White women from higher income countries are overrepresented in the existing literature. Incidence and natural history data are limited and consist mainly of cohorts that follow women after pregnancy or menopause. Given global increases in aging populations in well-resourced countries, the need for POP treatment is anticipated to increase in the coming decades. In lower and middle income countries (LMICs) where demographic trends are different, there is a dearth of information about anticipated POP service needs.

CONCLUSION

Future POP incidence, prevalence, and natural history studies should include non-white women from LMICs and should combine pelvic examination data with validated patient-reported outcome measures when feasible. Anticipated future service needs differ globally, with a greater demand for POP treatment services in well-resourced settings where aging populations are prevalent.

Primary healthcare system readiness to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh: a mixed-method study protocol

INTRODUCTION

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing in Bangladesh. Currently, it contributes to 67% of annual deaths, and accounts for approximately 64% of the disease burden. Since 70% of the Bangladeshi population residing in the rural area rely on the primary healthcare system, assessment of its capacity is crucial for guiding public health decisions to prevent and manage NCDs. This protocol is designed to recognise and assess the Bangladeshi health system's readiness for NCDs at the primary level.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study will use a mixed-method design. Numerical data will be collected using households and health facilities surveys, while qualitative data will be collected by interviewing healthcare providers, policy planners, health administrators and community members. The WHO's Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) methodology and Package of Essential Non-communicable (PEN) Disease Interventions for Primary Healthcare reference manuals will be used to assess the readiness of the primary healthcare facilities for NCD services. Furthermore, Health System Dynamics Framework will be used to examine health system factors. Using the supportive items outlined in the WHO PEN package, and indicators proposed in WHO SARA methodology, a composite score will be created to analyse facility-level data. Two independent samples t-test, analysis of variance and χ² test methods will be used for bivariate analysis, and multiple regression analysis will be used for multivariable analysis. Complementarily, the thematic analysis approach will be used to analyse qualitative data.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The project has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 27112), and Bangladesh Medical Research Council (Ref: BMRC/NREC/2019-2022/270). The research findings will be shared through research articles, conference proceedings or in other scientific media. The reports or publications will not have any information that can be used to identify any of the study participants.

Symptomatic pelvic floor disorders and its associated factors in South-Central Ethiopia

Introduction

Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) are gynecologic health problems containing a wide variety of clinical problems; the most prevalent problems are pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and urinary incontinence. It is a significant women’s health problem for both developed and developing countries. One in five women in Ethiopia experiences at least one major type of pelvic floor disorders. Despite the severity of the problem, due attention was not given, and no study has been conducted on pelvic floor disorders in the Gurage Zone.

Objective

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders among women living in Gurage Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia, 2020.

Methodology

Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020 among 542 women residing in the Gurage Zone. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select the participants. Interviewer administered, pretested questionnaires containing questions related to pelvic organ prolapse, urinary, and fecal incontinence was used. The urinary incontinence severity index questionnaire was used to assess the severity of urinary incontinence. Epi-Info x7 was used to record data, and SPSS was used to analyze the data. Binary logistic regression with 95% CI was used to explore the relationship between PFD and other independent variables. After multivariable logistic regression analysis variables with P-value less than 0.05 was used to determine significant association.

Result

A total of 542 participants were included in this study. Overall, 41.1% of the participants reported one or more symptoms of pelvic floor disorders. Urinary incontinence had the highest prevalence (32.8%), followed by pelvic organ prolapse (25.5%) and fecal incontinence (4.2%). History of weight lifting >10 Kg (AOR = 3.38; 95% CI: 1.99, 5.72), ≥5 vaginal delivery (AOR = 11.18; 95% CI: 1.53, 81.58), and being in menopause (AOR = 3.37; 95% CI: 1.40, 8.07) were identified as possible contributing factors in the development of a pelvic floor disorders.

Conclusion

The prevalence of symptomatic PFD was higher compared to other similar studies in Ethiopia. Heavy weight lifting, repetitive vaginal deliveries and menopause were factors significantly associated with PFD. Expansion of technologies and building basic infrastructures, health education on kegel exercise and promotion of family planning should be considered as a prevention strategy.

The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and degree of bother among women attending primary care clinics in Armenia

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prevalence of various Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFD) and the degree of symptom bother in a convenience sample of Armenian women in the Republic of Armenia.

METHODS

Fifty women ages 20-85 years from each Armenian region (Marz) were included in the study. The survey included the validated Armenian version of the Global Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ) and general questions on demographics and comorbidities related to these disorders.

RESULTS

A total of 540 women (90%) attending primary care clinics completed the validated PFBQ questionnaire. Initial analysis showed that the PFBQ score was significantly higher in older women, and those with higher vaginal parity and BMI. Women with prior hysterectomy (37.1+22.4) and prior pelvic prolapse or anti-incontinence surgeries (40.6+21.6) had significantly higher PFBQ scores than women without prior surgeries (18.8+20,0 and 19.4+19.7) and were associated with an increased odds of developing pelvic prolapse symptoms and obstructed defecation.

CONCLUSIONS

PFD symptoms were observed to be common and significantly correlated with demographic characteristics and self-reported comorbidities in Armenian women. We need to start promoting proper training of physicians in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

Self-cut titanium-coated polypropylene mesh versus pre-cut mesh-kit for transvaginal treatment of severe pelvic organ prolapse: study protocol for a multicenter non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common health problem and has significant negative effects on a woman's quality of life. The transvaginal mesh procedure is a durable reconstructive surgery, but the mesh kits are expensive for underdeveloped countries. Our previous case-series study showed that the use of self-cut mesh had a good success rate (91.8% at 1-year follow-up) and low complication rate. This trial is designed to compare a self-cut titanium-coated polypropylene mesh procedure with a mesh kit for the treatment of symptomatic stage III-IV anterior or apical prolapse in terms of efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

The trial is a randomized controlled multicenter non-inferiority trial. The primary outcome measure is the composite success rate at 1-year follow-up. The secondary outcomes are anatomic outcomes of each vaginal segment (anterior, posterior and apical) using the POP-Q score, subjective improvement of quality of life according to questionnaires, intraoperative parameters, complications and costs. Analysis will be performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Based on a comparable success rate of 90% and 10% as the margin (β = 0.2 and one-sided α = 0.025), about 312 patients in total from 11 centers will be recruited including 10% dropout. The aims of the research are to demonstrate whether the self-cut mesh procedure is non-inferior to the mesh-kit procedure and to investigate the performance of titanium-coated mesh for vaginal prolapse repair.

DISCUSSION

This multicenter non-inferiority trial will evaluate whether the efficacy and safety of self-cut mesh is non-inferior to mesh kits in women with severe symptomatic stage III-IV anterior or apical prolapse. If we are able to show that the self-cut mesh procedure is non-inferior to the mesh-kit procedure in success rates, then the self-cut mesh procedure may be more cost-effective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03283124. Registered on 17 January 2018.

Symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse and physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Background

Reproductive history and urogynecological disorders have been associated with limitations in physical function. However, little is known about the relationship between symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and physical performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are independently associated factors with indicators of lower physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 381 women between 40 to 65 years old living in Parnamirim, Northeast Brazil. Physical performance was assessed by gait speed, chair stand and standing balance tests. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse were self-reported. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to model the effect of self-reported urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse on each physical performance measure, adjusted for covariates (age, family income, education, body mass index, parity).

Results

In the analysis adjusted for confounders, women reporting urinary incontinence spent, on average, half a second longer to perform the chair stand test (β = 0.505 95% CI: 0.034: 0.976). Those reporting pelvic organ prolapse shortened the balance time with eyes open by 2.5 s on average (β = − 2.556; CI: − 4.769: − 0.343).

Conclusions

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are associated to worse physical performance in middle-aged women. These seemingly small changes in physical performance levels are of clinical importance, since these conditions may influence women’s physical ability, with implications for other tasks important to daily functioning and should be addressed by health policies targeting women’s health and functionality.

An epidemiologic study of pelvic organ prolapse in rural Chinese women: a population-based sample in China

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in rural China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of POP was conducted in rural China from February 2014 to March 2016. In total, 25,864 rural women were recruited. All were asked to complete a questionnaire that included questions about their age, job, parity, diseases, and so on. Symptomatic POP was assessed using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system staging and validation questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with symptomatic POP.

RESULTS

The prevalence of symptomatic POP was 9.10%. There was a consistent trend toward an increasing prevalence of POP with increasing age, ranging from 2.53 to 13.40% (P < 0.0001). Women aged 50-59 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-2.37] were more likely to have POP than women aged 20-29 years. POP was positively associated with giving birth to more than three children (AOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.88-2.43). Cesarean section was a significant protective factor (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.33-0.49) compared with vaginal delivery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that obesity, constipation, smoking, coughing, gynecological diseases, and other physical diseases were also associated with POP.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic POP affects a substantial proportion of women in rural China. Older age, multiparity, vaginal delivery, obesity, and many chronic conditions significantly increased the odds of developing symptomatic POP. Additional healthcare campaigns are needed to educate women in rural areas about POP.

An epidemiologic study of pelvic organ prolapse in postmenopausal women: a population-based sample in China

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in a representative sample of postmenopausal Chinese women.

METHODS

A total of 20,008 postmenopausal Chinese women were recruited to this cross-sectional study between February 2014 and March 2016. The prevalence of symptomatic POP, defined as any stage II or higher POP resulting in symptoms, was assessed using questionnaires and physical examinations. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with symptomatic POP.

RESULTS

Among all women with natural menopause included in the study (mean age =61.98 ± 10.62 years), 2962 of 20,008 women (14.80%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.3-15.3%) had symptomatic POP. In the multivariate analysis, women were more likely to have symptomatic POP if aged 50-59 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.322, 95% CI 1.123-1.560), 60-69 years (AOR 1.603, 95% CI 1.352-1.907), or above 70 years (AOR 1.824, 95% CI 1.158-2.197), compared with women aged 40-49 years. Having delivered two times (AOR 1.145, 95% CI 1.105-1.292) or three or more times (AOR 1.384, 95% CI 1.214-1.578) was significantly associated with symptomatic POP. Compared with normal weight women, overweight women (AOR 1.365, 95% CI 1.247-1.494) and obese women (AOR 1.548, 95% CI 1.344-1.780) were more likely to have POP. Living in an urban area, smoking, alcohol consumption, cough, constipation, mental labor, physical disease, and gynecological diseases were also associated with symptomatic POP.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic POP affects nearly 15% of postmenopausal women in China. The prevalence of symptomatic POP increases significantly with age, body mass index, and parity.

Factors associated with pelvic floor disorders in Kersa District, eastern Ethiopia: a community-based study

BACKGROUND

Pelvic floor disorders, which diminish the quality of life, disproportionally affect women in developing countries. However, there is a knowledge gap in the understanding of the factors associated with the problem in many countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to assess the factors associated with pelvic floor disorders in Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3432 ever-married women selected through a stratified multistage sampling procedure from the Kersa Health and Demography Surveillance System. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. A Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation was used to investigate the association of the independent variable with pelvic floor disorder. The results are reported in adjusted prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders was 20.5% (95% CI: 19%-22%). Women who had no education (APR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.04) or had undergone five or more vaginal deliveries (APR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.05), an abortion (APR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.43, 2.38) or episiotomy (APR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.90) were independently associated with having pelvic floor disorders.

CONCLUSION

Obstetric events are strongly associated with pelvic floor disorders. This finding highlights the greater need for policies to focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment services to mitigate women's suffering from pelvic floor disorders.

One in five women suffer from pelvic floor disorders in Kersa district Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based study

Background

Hundreds of millions of women suffer from pelvic floor disorders globally, often in silence. Women in developing countries do not disclose their problems due to associated social stigma or lack of access to services. Thus, the extent of the problem remains largely unknown. This study was conducted to assess the magnitude of pelvic floor disorders in Kersa district Eastern Ethiopia.

Method

We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among ever married women who reside in Kersa district, Eastern Ethiopia. The study subjects were selected through stratified multistage probability sampling. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. The prevalence of various pelvic floor disorders are presented along with the 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 3432 women participated in the study, of which 704 (20.5%; 95% CI; 19.2, 21.8) reported at least one type of pelvic floor disorder and 349 (49.6%; 95% CI: 46.0, 53.0) reported two or more pelvic floor disorders. The most common pelvic floor disorders included an over active bladder (15.5%; 95% CI: 14.4, 16.8), pelvic organ prolapse (9.5%; 95% CI: 8.5,10.4), stress urinary incontinence (8.3%; 95% CI: 7.4, 9.2) and anal incontinence (1.9%; 95% CI: 1.5, 2.4). More than two-thirds of the women with pelvic floor disorders (68.0%; 95% CI:64.4, 71.3) reported having severe distress but had never sought health care.

Conclusions

The magnitude of the health problem and the low level of health seeking behavior indicates the silent suffering of many women in the study area. Extrapolating these figure to national statistics would indicate the staggering number of women suffering from pelvic floor disorders in the country. This calls for urgent action to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment services to mitigate the suffering of women from pelvic floor disorders.

An epidemiologic study on symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse in obese Chinese women: a population-based study in China

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse in obese Chinese women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of 3,105 obese women from an observational cross-sectional study conducted between February 2014 and March 2016 in Mainland China. The obesity standard in our study was the Chinese standard (body mass index ≥28). All the subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire which included age, job, parity, and so on. Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was characterized as being symptomatic and at stage II or higher. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with symptomatic POP.

RESULTS

The prevalence of symptomatic POP was 15.84% in obese Chinese women, and there was a consistent increasing trend in the prevalence of POP with increasing age, ranging from 4.78% in women between 20 and 29 years of age to 28.21% in women aged 70 years or older (P<0.0001). Multivariate analysis shows that the independent risk factors were age, chronic cough (>3 weeks), and gynecological abnormalities. In addition, multiparity was not associated with symptomatic POP in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatic POP affects nearly 16% of obese women in People's Republic of China. The prevalence of symptomatic POP increases significantly with age.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence of, and risk factors for, pelvic floor disorders in community-dwelling women in low and middle-income countries: a protocol study

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) including urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are common debilitating conditions among women in high-income countries. However, PFDs in women in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) have not been studied extensively. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to determine the prevalence of, and/or risk factors for, PFDs in women in LMIC.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Maternity & Infant Care and Google Scholar for eligible studies. Inclusion criteria will be observational studies of healthy women, which have collected data using validated or non-validated tools, are published in English and were conducted in community women in LMICs, defined by the World Bank. A standardised data extraction form will be developed and piloted, based on the template of the Cochrane good practice data extraction form. All included studies will be assessed based on a risk-of-bias tool specifically developed for prevalence studies. Pooled prevalence estimates of PFDs will be generated using RevMan V.5.2.1 software. Forest plots will be generated to display the overall random-effects pooled estimates with CIs. A metaregression will be conducted to identify sources of between-study heterogeneity in the pooled prevalence estimates. We will quantify heterogeneity using the I² measure and its CI. We will use funnel plots to detect potential reporting biases and small-study effects. We will also conduct a sensitivity analysis to verify the robustness of the study conclusions, assessing the impact of methodological quality, study design, sample size and the effect of missing data.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Our review is entirely based on published data. Thus, an ethics committee approval or written informed consent will not be required for this study as primary data will not be collected. The results will be disseminated by publication of the manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal and/or will be presented at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016043881.