Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41179100›Full record

ArticleCureus2025

Gynaecological Morbidities and Treatment-Seeking Behaviour Among Post-menopausal Women in Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Thilak K Theertha, P Sankara Sarma, Jeby J Olickal, Kavumpurathu R Thankappan

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Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Thilak K TheerthaDepartment of Public Health, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, IND.
P Sankara SarmaDepartment of Public Health, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, IND.
Jeby J OlickalDepartment of Public Health, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, IND.
Kavumpurathu R ThankappanDepartment of Public Health, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, IND.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background Gynaecological morbidities (GMs), including pelvic organ prolapse, urogenital infections or inflammations, benign and malignant genital tract disorders, and postmenopausal bleeding, are significant but under-recognised health concerns among postmenopausal women. Limited data are available on their prevalence and treatment-seeking behaviour in Kerala. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GMs, identify associated factors, and assess treatment-seeking patterns. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Kannur and Ernakulam districts of Kerala, representing the northern and southern regions of the state. Using multi-stage cluster sampling, 384 postmenopausal women aged 45-69 years were selected from 24 clusters. Data were collected through a pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule covering sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported GMs, and healthcare access. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence and treatment patterns, chi-square tests assessed associations, and multivariable logistic regression identified factors independently associated with GMs. Treatment-seeking was defined as consultation with a healthcare provider, while receipt of treatment indicated initiation of medical care. Results The prevalence of GMs was 14.1% (n = 54, 95% CI: 10.9-17.8). The most commonly reported conditions were urogenital infections or inflammations (5.0%), benign genital tract disorders (5.5%), pelvic organ prolapse (2.8%), malignant genital tract disorders (0.5%), and postmenopausal bleeding (0.3%). Higher odds of GMs were observed among women aged 45-59 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.01-4.46), those with diabetes mellitus (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.44-6.21), thyroid disorders (AOR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.08-8.52), and early menopause (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.15-4.21). All affected women sought consultation; however, only 63.6% received treatment. Most approached private hospitals (74.1%) and gynaecologists (66.7%). Conclusion Approximately one in seven postmenopausal women reported GMs. Despite universal consultation, treatment uptake was suboptimal. Strengthening public health services, increasing awareness, and addressing barriers to care are essential to improve outcomes for this population.

Indexed as

gynaecological morbidityindiainfluencing factorspostmenopausal womenprevalence

Identifiers

PMID41179100
PMCPMC12571688

What Socratic holds

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.