Relationship between Post-menopausal women’s knowledge about pelvic organ prolapse and their autonomy preference

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is one of the two most common manifestations of pelvic floor dysfunction among postmenopausal women worldwide. The prevalence of POP increases with age, with a peak incidence in women aged 60–69 years. It has a negative effect on postmenopausal women’s quality of life (Qol). Management of pelvic organ prolapse is challenging, it requires skillful health care providers and well-informed elder women. Person-centeredness is a crucial element and an indicator of the quality of care. It is advocated in healthcare policies worldwide. Yet, despite of its importance in person-centered care for prolapse, little is known about the extent to which health services are responsive to women’s needs and their perceived experiences when using the health services for management of prolapse. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between Post-menopausal women’s knowledge about pelvic organ prolapse and their autonomy preference. Methods A descriptive correlational research design was utilized in this study. This study was conducted at the outpatient gynecology clinic on El Shatby Maternity University Hospital in Alexandria governorate, Egypt. A convenient sample of 142 post-menopausal women were recruited. Three tools were used for data collection; (1) socio-demographic and clinical data structured interview schedule, (2) Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ), (3) modified version of autonomy preference index (API). Results More than three quarters (78.0%) of the studied women had lack of proficient knowledge about POP, whereas 22.0% had a proficient knowledge (50% and more correct) and although the studied women were highly preferred to participate in decision making concerning their health condition (62.4%±5.9), they had slightly lack of preference for information seeking (45.3±5.1%). The post-menopausal women’s knowledge about Pelvic Organ Prolapse was significantly correlated with their autonomy preference (r=.213, p=.011), as the score of knowledge increased the total autonomy preference score increase. Conclusion the post-menopausal women’s knowledge about Pelvic Organ Prolapse was significantly correlated with their autonomy preference. Encourage the healthcare professionals to inform the postmenopausal women about the available treatment options and motivate them to participate actively in making management decisions is recommended.