Women’s Knowledge and Health Care-Seeking Behavior Regarding Pelvic Organ Prolapse in the West Bank, Palestine
Files
Date
2025-10-31
Authors
Doha Khaleel Moheasen
Ibtesam Medhat Mohamad Dwekat
Maha Sudki Nahal
Eman Awad Tayem
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Nature (via BMC Women’s Health)
Abstract
Abstract
Background Pelvic organ prolapse is a prevalent condition affecting women of various ages; however, many remain unaware of this health issue and its potential complications. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, prevalence of reported POP symptoms, and healthcare-seeking behaviour among women in the West Bank.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire with a convenience sample of 317 women ages are 18 and older. Data were collected online via social media after contacting participants by phone and distributing a Google Form questionnaire. Data were analysed by using SPSS; Kruskal-Wallis and Mann- Whitney tests were also utilized.
Results Approximately 208 (65.6%) of the participants exhibited a low level of knowledge regarding Pelvic Organ Prolapse. The prevalence of reported pelvic organ prolapse symptoms was 182 (57.4%). Notably, 151 (82.9%) of the women who reported symptoms did not seek health care accordingly. Factors such as body mass index, residency, stress incontinence, chronic constipation, irregular menstruation, and menopause showed significant associations with the prevalence of reported symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.
Conclusion Lower knowledge levels among Palestinian women were significantly associated with increased reports of POP symptoms, which correlated with limited health care-seeking behaviour. This issue is further complicated by cultural barriers to accessing care, political instability, limited availability of healthcare services, and varying levels of awareness among women.
Implications The findings highlight an urgent need for collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and community representatives to address cultural barriers and ultimately improve access to healthcare by designing culturally sensitive health promotion campaigns targeting women aged 30 and above.
Keywords Pelvic organ prolapse, Prevalence, Knowledge, health care-seeking behavior, West Bank
Description
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) refers to the descent and herniation of one or more of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, the uterus, cervix, or the apex of the vagina [1]. It is among the most common gynecologic health issues affecting women, particularly those who are postmenopausal or have conditions that elevate intra-abdominal pressure, such as chronic coughing or obesity [2]. Approximately 50% of women are expected to develop POP at some point in their lives [3]. The current global prevalence of POP is approximately 30.9% [4]. Various factors are associated with the prevalence of POP, including educational status, socioeconomic conditions, and menopausal status [5]. Significant risk factors also include multiparty, obesity (defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m²), and participation in heavy physical activity [6, 7]. Furthermore, the history of constipation, chronic respiratory diseases, and birthing babies with high birth weights are recognized as additional risk factors for POP [8]. Common symptoms of POP include vaginal or pelvic pressure, urinary and bowel incontinence, sexual discomfort, and dyspareunia. These symptoms can significantly affect the daily activities of women experiencing them and diminish their overall quality of life. Additionally, the health-seeking behavior of women with POP is often shaped by their socioeconomic status, the limited understanding of the condition and its symptoms and the treatment options that are available to them. Despite ongoing efforts to improve access to diagnosis and treatment services, many women with POP remain untreated for years, often delaying care until the condition has advanced significantly [9].
Keywords
Citation
Moheasen, D. K., Dwekat, I. M. M., Nahal, M. S., & Tayem, E. A. (2025). Women’s knowledge and health Care-Seeking behavior regarding pelvic organ prolapse in the West Bank, Palestine in maternaity and obstatric of nursing. BMC Women's Health, 25(1), 1-11.