Stigma Profiles and Psychosocial Correlates Among Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Latent Class Analysis.

introduction and hypothesisThis study aimed to identify latent stigma classes among women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), examine psychosocial correlates of class membership, and inform stratified psychosocial support.

methodsA convenience sample of 308 women with POP was recruited from the gynecology departments of three tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China, between August 2023 and August 2024. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the 28-item General Health Questionnaire, the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. Latent class analysis was used to identify stigma subgroups, followed by univariate analyses and multinomial logistic regression.

resultsFour stigma classes were identified: low stigma (50.97%), moderate stigma (24.03%), moderate internalized/low enacted stigma (13.96%), and high stigma (11.04%). Significant class differences were found in age, educational level, comorbid gynecological diseases, psychological health, and perceived social support. Poorer psychological health was consistently associated with all non-low-stigma groups. Lower perceived social support was particularly associated with the moderate internalized/low enacted stigma and high-stigma groups, whereas age was associated only with the moderate-stigma group.

conclusionsStigma among women with POP is heterogeneous. Stratified psychosocial care, especially routine psychological assessment and support-focused interventions, may be useful for higher-risk groups.