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. 2018 Apr 25;13(4):e0195910.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195910. eCollection 2018.

Prevalence and risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A population based study in Tanzanian rural community

Gileard G Masenga  1   2 , Benjamin C Shayo  2 , Vibeke Rasch  3   4
Affiliations

Prevalence and risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A population based study in Tanzanian rural community

Gileard G Masenga et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence and risk-factors of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in Tanzania are unknown. To help elucidate the problem, we assessed POP and associated risk-factors among Tanzanian women by deploying the POP-Q classification system.

Method: A cross sectional community based study conducted in Hai, Rombo and Same Districts, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Women aged 18-90 were recruited through multi-stage random sampling from January to May 2015. Home-based questionnaire interviews were performed and the women were subsequently invited to the nearest health clinic for pelvic examination. Trained physicians used the POP-Q classification system to assess the POP stage.

Results: A total of 1195 women were interviewed and invited for pelvic examination; 1063(89%) women presented at the clinic of whom 1047(88%) accepted a clinical examination. Of 1047 examined women, 64.6% had an anatomical POP stage II-IV and 6.7% had a severe POP that descended 1 cm or more below the hymen. POP stage II-IV was associated with being aged 35+ years, being a farmer, doing petty trading and having delivered 3 times or more. Severe POP was associated with carrying heavy objects for ≥ 5 hours (OR 4.70;1.67-13.2), having delivered 5 times or more (OR 10.2;2.22-48.6) and having delivered at home (OR 2.40;1.36-4.22).

Conclusion: POP is a common condition among rural Tanzanian women where 64.6% are having POP grade II-IV and 6.7% are having a severe POP descending 1 cm or more below the hymen. Risk-factors are increasing age, heavy lifting, high parity and home-delivery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Study flowchart.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Frequency of POP stage II-IV and severe POP (Ba/C/Bp≥ 1cm) by age groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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