Determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among women attending gynecology outpatient clinics in public hospitals of west hararge, Eastern Ethiopia: an unmatched case-control study

Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a significant public health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. It contributes to bowel, urinary, and psychological issues that lower women’s everyday functioning and productivity, and raise long-term health care demand. However, few studies have been conducted on determinants of Pelvic organ prolapse in Ethiopia specifically at the study area. This study aimed to identify determinant factors of pelvic organ prolapse among women visiting gynecology outpatient departments of public hospitals in West Hararge, Eastern Ethiopia, 2025. An unmatched case-control study was conducted among gynecologic patients in Chiro General Hospital, East Ethiopia between March to April 2025. A total of 320 women were included in the study. Cases (80, women with any stage of pelvic organ prolapse) and controls (240, who were declared free of any stage of pelvic organ prolapse confirmed by POP-Q tool. Data analysis was carried out by version 27 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical differences were considered at a P value < 0.05. A total of 311 respondents (79 cases and 232 controls) participated with a response rate of 97.2% (320 planned, 311 completed). This study revealed that women ≥ 40 (AOR = 12.76 [95% CI: 3.08–52.93]), rural residence (AOR = 5.66 [95% CI: 2.48–12.90]), women who had an instrumental delivery (AOR = 4.90 [95% CI: 2.14–11.20]), those who engaged in heavy lifting (AOR = 3.69 [95% CI: 1.46–9.33]), and being overweight (AOR = 4.84 [95% CI: 1.57–14.91]), were significantly associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Rural residency, instrumental delivery, carrying heavy objects, Overweight and age ≥ 40 years are independent determinants of pelvic organ prolapse. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen preventive strategies, and improve community awareness on modifiable risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse.