UTERINE PROLAPSE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF WOMEN IN NAWABSHAH, SINDH

Abstract

Background: Uterine prolapse is a common gynecological condition that negatively impacts women’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Despite its high prevalence, many women remain unaware of the condition, and its impact on quality of life is underreported.

Objective: To assess the impact of uterine prolapse on the quality of life of women attending the Gynecological and Obstetric Unit of Peoples University Hospital, Nawabshah.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2025 at the Gynecological and Obstetric Unit of Peoples University Hospital, Nawabshah. 75 participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using the Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QOL) questionnaire, administered face-to-face by the researcher and a trained nurse. Descriptive statistics summarized frequencies and percentages, while associations between participant characteristics and quality-of-life domains were assessed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Participants were primarily aged 31–50 years (89.3%) and had four to six children, with 92.0% having vaginal deliveries. Frequent urination was reported by 53.9%, urgency by 56.6%, urge incontinence by 59.2%, stress urinary leakage by 42.1%, and vaginal bulge by 64.5%. Uterine prolapse moderately affected household tasks (60.5%), physical activity (60.5%), travel (67.1%), social life (46.1%), and sexual activity (50.0%). Psychological impacts included anxiety (59.2%), low self-esteem (51.3%), sleep disturbance (56.6%), and fatigue (51.3%). The number of children was significantly associated with quality of life (p = 0.04), while age, mode of delivery, and self-rated health showed no significant associations.

Conclusion: Uterine prolapse significantly impairs the physical, social, psychological, and sexual quality of life of women, with a greater impact observed among women with a higher number of children. Early detection, education, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and psychosocial support are essential to improve daily functioning and overall well-being.