Lived experiences of women with pelvic organ prolapse at Gurage zone, Central Regional State, Ethiopia: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

Introduction Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of one or more pelvic organs through the vaginal canal, including the vagina, uterus, rectum, bladder, cervix, posthysterectomy vaginal cuff, and small or large bowel, which compromises a woman’s physical, mental and social well-being. Objective This study aimed to explore how women with POP experience their living and its impact on their quality of life (QoL). Design This was a qualitative study using interpretive phenomenological analysis, following in-depth structured interviews. Analysis was undertaken to identify superordinate themes relating to how women are living with POP. Setting 3 public hospitals and 3 woredas in Gurage zone, Central Regional State, Ethiopia. Participants A purposive sample of 12 women who were diagnosed with POP was recruited. Results Five core themes with subthemes were identified; general health judgement, POP symptom, life situation related to POP, feeling about POP and limitation in daily life/activity. The majority of respondents expressed concern that the prolapse had negatively impacted their general health and voiced hope that pelvic floor reconstruction would improve their general well-being. The majority of the informants stated that disclosing to others might significantly lower their QoL and that having the condition was extremely embarrassing. The women were most affected by the actual physical symptoms of prolapse (bulge, back pain, heaviness, bowel problems, urinary incontinence) as well as by the impact prolapse has on their sexual function. Conclusion Women with POP should be offered psychosocial support, early care and counselling because they have physical, personal, emotional, social and sleep/energy problems. Healthcare providers should take the initiative in educating women regarding prolapse and to make them aware that it is a treatable condition which can improve their QoL.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

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