Prevalence and factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse among women attending the gynecology outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in southwestern Uganda

Abstract PurposeTo determine the prevalence, clinical stage at presentation and factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women attending the gynecology outpatient clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Uganda. MethodsWe conducted a cross sectional study at the gynecology outpatient clinic of MRRH from September 2019 to January 2020. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Results Of 338 participants enrolled, the prevalence of POP was 27.5% (n=93). POP stages were: stage I 11.8% (n=11), stage II 63.4% (n=59), stage III 16.1% (n=15) and stage IV 8.9% (n=8). Grand-multiparity (aOR 17.1, 95% CI: 1.1 – 66.6), birth weight more than 3.5kg (aOR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.1 – 12.6), perineal tears (aOR 6.5, 95% CI: 2.1 – 20.2), peasant farmer (aOR 6.9, 95% CI: 1.6 – 29.9) and duration of labour in the first delivery > 24 hours (aOR 5.7, 95% CI: 1.2 – 29) were significantly associated with POP. ConclusionPOP is common among women attending the gynecology clinic at MRRH with most of them presenting with stage II. There should be routine screening for POP to enable early identification and management especially in those who are grand multiparous, peasant farmers and history of perineal tears.