Social Factors of Uterine Prolapse (A Sociological Study in Pokhara)

Abstract

Uterine prolapse is the widespread chronic problem among women in Nepal; Particularly among adult and old women. Uterine prolapse is a condition when the uterus drops from its normal position in the pelvis cavity, descending into and eventually, in extreme stages, out of the vagina. The major purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence and social factors with uterine prolapse in Kaski district in Pokhara. Family size, literary status, income, caste, age of respondent’s at marriage, numbers of children, parity, type of delivery, time to resume work after delivery and associated disease after delivery were independently and significantly associated with uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse was observed among large numbers of women; among these almost all were married before the age of 20 years. Illiterates and high parity women were suffered greatly. It is a common reproductive health problem in low-income countries like Nepal. Physical symptoms of this condition influence women’s quality of life. Current data insufficiently determine women’s awareness of this condition. Health care seeking practices for uterine prolapse in Nepal are in an adequate. All physical, psychological and social aspects of women’s health are affected by uterine prolapse. Due to uterine prolapse, walking, sitting and lifting activities are become challenging for women. Women can become victims of violence due to their disability and less productivity. Women’s empowerment, limiting frequent pregnancies and provision of educational opportunities are recommended for the prevention of uterine prolapse. Under the research, women’s knowledge of uterine prolapse and its associated social factors, how this affected their quality of life and their health care seeking practices have been described. Under the methodology, descriptive and exploratory research designs were used for achieving the desired objectives. Different 169 respondents were identified for both qualitative as well as quantitative analysis. The findings confirm the high prevalence of the uterine prolapse (UP) in the region. The most common social factors for uterine prolapse seem to be illiteracy, home delivery, early marriage and child birth, poverty, not enough rest during pregnancy, rejoining work immediately after delivery, multi parity, desire of son , not adequate food during pregnancy and after delivery.