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01-07-2013 | Original Article

Pelvic floor disorders among women in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia: a pilot study

Authors: Berihun Megabiaw, Mulatu Adefris, Guri Rortveit, Getu Degu, Mulu Muleta, Astrid Blystad, Torvid Kiserud, Tesfahun Melese, Yigzaw Kebede

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 7/2013

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Pelvic floor disorders affect many women in high-income countries. Since little is known about such disorders in Africa, this study aimed at assessing the prevalence and risk factors in an Ethiopian community. We also assessed the validity of a prolapse questionnaire.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 women, recruited by a systematic random sampling technique. Women were interviewed about symptoms of urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse by female nurses. Additionally, pelvic examinations were performed in 294 (74.2 %) participants to assess anatomical prolapse using the simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification staging system. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were employed.

Results

The median age of participants was 35.0 years. Thirty-one women reported urinary incontinence (7.8 %), 25 (6.3 %) symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and 2 (0.5 %) faecal incontinence. Anatomical pelvic organ prolapse stage II–IV was detected in 162 (55.1 %) of women who underwent pelvic examination. The questionnaire for prolapse assessment had poor validity (38.3 % sensitivity and 95.4 % specificity) even in cases of clinically relevant prolapse (stage III or IV). After adjustment, carrying heavy objects for 5 or more hours a day, history of prolonged labour and highland rural residence were associated with anatomical pelvic organ prolapse.

Conclusions

Self-reported incontinence seems low in northwest Ethiopia. The prevalence of symptomatic prolapse was low despite a high prevalence of prolapse signs. Notably, heavy carrying and prolonged labour increased the risk of anatomical prolapse stage II–IV. The methods of assessing pelvic floor disorders in a low-income context need further development.

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Title: Pelvic floor disorders among women in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia: a pilot study
Authors: Berihun Megabiaw
Mulatu Adefris
Guri Rortveit
Getu Degu
Mulu Muleta
Astrid Blystad
Torvid Kiserud
Tesfahun Melese
Yigzaw Kebede
Publication date: 01-07-2013
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 7/2013
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1981-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Pelvic floor disorders among women in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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