Self-management of pessary in patients with pelvic organ prolapse
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12809/hkjgom.25.1.376Keywords:
Pelvic organ prolapse, Pessaries, Self-managementAbstract
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of self-management of a pessary and its associated factors in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Methods: Patients with POP attending one of the three gynaecological outpatient clinics who planned to use or were using pessaries were invited to participate. Participants were asked to complete a six-item questionnaire: whether they had used a pessary before; whether they were aware of self-management of the pessary; whether they would opt for self-management of the pessary; what the reasons were for learning self-management; and what the reasons were for not using or stopping using the pessary, if applicable. Factors associated with their choices were evaluated.
Results: In total, 301 participants were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 71.1 years, and the median parity was two. Most had stage I to II POP and were current users of pessaries. Overall, 53.5% of participants agreed to learn to self-manage the pessary; they were more likely to be younger, sexually active, and aware of self-managing a pessary.
Conclusions: Self-management of a pessary is an acceptable option for POP. Most participants agreed to learn self-management, and therefore patient education and encouragement should be aimed at.
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