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. 2025 May;36(5):1019-1028.
doi: 10.1007/s00192-025-06053-w. Epub 2025 Feb 4.

Symptomatic Pelvic Floor Disorders in Community-Dwelling Women in Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Zelalem Ayichew Workineh #  1 , Zelalem Mengistu Gashaw  2 , Tamiru Minwuye Andargie  3 , Tibeb Zena Debele  4 , Solomon Gedlu Nigatu  5 , Wagaye Fentahun Chanie  6 , Tadesse Belayneh Melkie #  7
Affiliations

Symptomatic Pelvic Floor Disorders in Community-Dwelling Women in Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Zelalem Ayichew Workineh et al. Int Urogynecol J. 2025 May.

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors contributing to pelvic floor disorder (PFD) symptoms.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 737 women in the central Gondar Zone of Northwest Ethiopia from September to December 2022. Participants were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling. The Amharic version of the Pelvic Floor Disorder Inventory 20 (PFDI-20) tool was employed to evaluate the occurrence of PFDs. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of PFDs.

Results: The prevalence of at least one form of PFD was 26.9% (95% CI 23.3 to 30.0%). Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence were reported at rates of 19.9%, 19.7%, and 12.8% respectively. Factors associated with PFDs included increasing age (AOR = 3.61, 95% CI 1.01 to 6.91), residing in a rural area (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.63 to 3.66), a history of difficult labor (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.66), multiple vaginal deliveries (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI 2.18 to 3.92), home delivery (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.86 to 2.93), and being postmenopausal (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.89).

Conclusions: Currently, more than 25% of women are experiencing distressing symptoms associated with PFDs. Contributing factors include older age, rural residence, having multiple vaginal deliveries, and postmenopausal status. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the early identification of PFD symptoms, raise awareness within the community and among women regarding the connections between advanced age, menopause, and multiparity, and advocate for family planning initiatives.

Keywords: Amhara people; Community medicine; Ethiopia; Pelvic floor disorder; Women’s health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical Considerations: The Institutional Review Board of the University of Gondar granted ethical clearance with the number O/VP/RCS/214/025/2022. Support and a permission letter were also obtained from the Central Gondar Zone Health office and the respective kebele administrators. Before collecting data, each study participant provided written consent. Names and identification were not included in the written questionnaires to protect the confidentiality of the information. Each study subject was informed that their participation would be entirely voluntary during the data collection process. Women who were discovered to have pelvic floor symptoms during data collection but were not seeking treatment were counseled and referred to health care facilities. Conflicts of Interest: None.

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