Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Post-doc
Academic Level (Author 3)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 3)
Population Health and Biostatistics
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Clinical Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a prevalent condition that significantly diminishes the quality of life for many women, manifesting as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Socioeconomic status (SES), a modifiable factor, has been implicated in the development and progression of POP. However, the extent of this association remains unclear in the literature. This systematic review aims to explore the role of SES in the development of POP, with the goal of informing targeted preventative strategies and improving healthcare equity.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Grey Literature. Additional manual searches of reference lists supplemented the database search. Inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed, English-language studies published between January 2000 and September 2023, specifically examining the relationship between SES and the development of POP in women. Articles focusing solely on treatment outcomes or unrelated aspects of POP were excluded. Screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers to ensure accuracy and reliability. Conflicts were resolved through consensus.
Results: Of the 75 studies initially identified, 20 met eligibility and inclusion criteria after screening, with 18 duplicate studies removed. The preliminary analysis suggests a strong association between lower SES and an increased risk of developing POP. Factors contributing to this association include limited access to healthcare resources, occupational and physical strain related to lower-income jobs, and disparities in preventative care measures such as postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation. Several studies highlighted the compounded effect of other SES-related determinants, such as education level and housing conditions, on POP prevalence. The systematic synthesis of these findings is ongoing, with detailed results to be finalized and presented at the symposium.
Conclusions: This systematic review underscores the significant influence of socioeconomic disparities on the development of pelvic organ prolapse. Addressing SES as a modifiable risk factor is critical to reducing the overall burden of POP. Practical applications include developing community-based interventions, increasing access to preventative healthcare services, and implementing policies that mitigate SES-related barriers to care. These findings emphasize the need for further research to design and evaluate targeted programs aimed at high-risk populations, ultimately advancing health equity in women’s healthcare.
Recommended Citation
Penmetcha, Neharika; Vereecken, Sasha; and Vela, Leonel, "The Role of Socioeconomic Status in the Development of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Systematic Review" (2025). Research Symposium. 120.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/120
Included in
The Role of Socioeconomic Status in the Development of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Systematic Review
Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a prevalent condition that significantly diminishes the quality of life for many women, manifesting as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Socioeconomic status (SES), a modifiable factor, has been implicated in the development and progression of POP. However, the extent of this association remains unclear in the literature. This systematic review aims to explore the role of SES in the development of POP, with the goal of informing targeted preventative strategies and improving healthcare equity.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Grey Literature. Additional manual searches of reference lists supplemented the database search. Inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed, English-language studies published between January 2000 and September 2023, specifically examining the relationship between SES and the development of POP in women. Articles focusing solely on treatment outcomes or unrelated aspects of POP were excluded. Screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers to ensure accuracy and reliability. Conflicts were resolved through consensus.
Results: Of the 75 studies initially identified, 20 met eligibility and inclusion criteria after screening, with 18 duplicate studies removed. The preliminary analysis suggests a strong association between lower SES and an increased risk of developing POP. Factors contributing to this association include limited access to healthcare resources, occupational and physical strain related to lower-income jobs, and disparities in preventative care measures such as postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation. Several studies highlighted the compounded effect of other SES-related determinants, such as education level and housing conditions, on POP prevalence. The systematic synthesis of these findings is ongoing, with detailed results to be finalized and presented at the symposium.
Conclusions: This systematic review underscores the significant influence of socioeconomic disparities on the development of pelvic organ prolapse. Addressing SES as a modifiable risk factor is critical to reducing the overall burden of POP. Practical applications include developing community-based interventions, increasing access to preventative healthcare services, and implementing policies that mitigate SES-related barriers to care. These findings emphasize the need for further research to design and evaluate targeted programs aimed at high-risk populations, ultimately advancing health equity in women’s healthcare.
