2140 PREVALENCE, RISK FACTORS, SOCIAL IMPACT AND HEALTHCARE SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF SYMPTOMS OF GENITAL PROLAPSE AMONG EMIRATI WOMEN

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Incontinence/Female Urology: Pelvic Prolapse1 Apr 20132140 PREVALENCE, RISK FACTORS, SOCIAL IMPACT AND HEALTHCARE SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF SYMPTOMS OF GENITAL PROLAPSE AMONG EMIRATI WOMEN Hasan Elbiss, Nawal Osman, and Fayez Hammad Hasan ElbissHasan Elbiss Al Ain, United Arab Emirates More articles by this author , Nawal OsmanNawal Osman Al Ain, United Arab Emirates More articles by this author , and Fayez HammadFayez Hammad Al Ain, United Arab Emirates More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.2049AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES In United Arab Emirates (UAE), the society favours large families and hence, there is a high parity among women. In addition, the prevalence of macrosomic babies is high due to high prevalence of gestational diabetes. Therefore, the prevalence of genital organ prolapse (POP) might be higher than those reported from the West. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and social impact of symptoms suggestive of POP in Emirati women. METHODS From January 2010 to January 2011, all adult females attending the 3 family development foundation centres in Al Ain, UAE, were included in the study. Nulliparous women less than 30 years or pregnant women were excluded. Women were interviewed face to face by well-trained healthcare providers using structured and pre-tested questionnaire RESULTS 127 out of 429 women (29.6%) reported symptoms suggestive of POP (mean age: 38.2 years (range: 18-71). Although, several factors were significantly associated with the symptoms of POP on univariate analysis, only few factors were shown to be independent risk factors on multivariate logistic regression (Table 1). With regards to the severity of the dragging sensation, 68% felt it occasionally, 19% felt it sometimes, 9% felt it most of the time and 4% felt it all the times. 111 out 127 women (87.4%) had at least one relationship or activities affected by the symptoms of POP (Table 2). Out of the 127 women with symptoms of POP, 69 (54%) did not seek medical advice due to various reasons: embarrassment to see a medical doctor (51%), the belief that POP is normal among women (51%), hope for spontaneous resolution (48%), embarrassment to see male doctors (33%) and unawareness of the existence of medical treatment (30%). CONCLUSIONS Symptoms of POP are common among Emirati women. It affects the quality of life in the majority of them. More than half of them did not seek medical advice mainly due to cultural reasons. More public health awareness is required to educate women about the nature and management of this condition. Table 1. The independent risk factors on multivariate analysis Odds ratio 95% CI P value Urinary Incontinence 3.8 2.3-6.3 0.0001 Constipation 3.4 1.9-6.2 0.0001 Chronic Chest disease 2.4 1.2-4.7 0.009 Occupation 0.64 0.46-0.91 0.013 Table 2. The consequences of having POP symptoms in relation to severity of bother Sexual relationship Physical activities Prayers Social activities No bother 36 (28%) 36 (28%) 43 (34%) 58 (46%) Mild 38 (30%) 51 (40%) 54 (43%) 46 (36%) Moderate 39 (31%) 34 (27%) 24 (19%) 19 (15%) Severe 14 (11%) 6 (5%) 6 (5%) 4 (3%) © 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 189Issue 4SApril 2013Page: e876 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Hasan Elbiss Al Ain, United Arab Emirates More articles by this author Nawal Osman Al Ain, United Arab Emirates More articles by this author Fayez Hammad Al Ain, United Arab Emirates More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...