Gynecological Morbidity in Geriatric Women: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center in Northern Sri Lanka

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Background and objective Gynecological disorders are prevalent among elderly women due to ageing and hormonal changes in the post-reproductive period. However, there is limited evidence in Sri Lanka to guide the provision of optimal care for geriatric women with these conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the gynecological disorders among elderly women. Methods A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 327 women aged 60 years and above who attended the gynecology and urology clinics at the Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and data extraction sheet were used to collect the data. Analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26. Results A total of 327 geriatric women (mean age 71.2 ± 7.5 years) were included, with 63.0% (n=206) residing in rural areas and 72.2% (n=236) financially dependent on their children. The most common gynecological symptoms reported were vulval lumps (63.6%, n=208), back pain (60.6%, n=198), storage urinary symptoms (59.3%, n=194), and vaginal discharge (42.8%, n=140). Uterovaginal prolapse was the most prevalent disorder (62.4%, n=204), followed by cystocele (43.1%, n=141) and rectocele (9.5%, n=31). Postmenopausal bleeding was identified in 11.9% of participants (n=39), of which 7.0% (n=23) were benign and 4.9% (n=16) were malignant. Genital malignancies were recorded in 2.4% (n=8, cervix), 3.1% (n=10, endometrium), 2.8% (n=9, ovary), and 0.3% (n=1, vulva). Conclusion This study highlights a high burden of gynecological symptoms and disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and malignancies, among geriatric women in northern Sri Lanka. The findings underscore the urgent need for age-sensitive health services, improved community screening, and integration of geriatric reproductive health into national health policies.

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