J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2026 Dec 31;47(1):2609453. doi: 10.1080/0167482X.2025.2609453. Epub 2025 Dec 28.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate mental health disparities and their underlying determinants among women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in urban and rural China.
METHODS: From August 2022 to August 2023, a convenience sampling method was employed to select 322 POP patients at a tertiary specialized hospital in Nanjing, China. The study used a general information questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire-28, and Perceived Social Support Scale. Influencing factors on mental health were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS: Among the 322 POP patients, 68.01% (219 cases) were from urban areas, and 31.99% (103 cases) were from rural areas. Significant baseline differences were observed, with urban patients having higher education levels and rural patients having a greater number of childbirths and longer disease duration. Based on the General Health Questionnaire-28, urban POP patients scored higher on somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, severe depression, and overall score, compared to rural POP patients (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Mental health issues are prevalent among POP patients, with urban POP female patients facing a greater mental health burden than rural patients. Our findings highlight the need for targeted nursing and psychological interventions for this group, especially for urban patients, to improve health conditions.
PMID:41456160 | DOI:10.1080/0167482X.2025.2609453
