Healthcare

14 pages, 267 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Vaginal Pessary Use in Improving Quality of Life Among Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Prospective Study

by Ngoc Thi Tran, Thanh Quang Le, Hai Thanh Pham and Nam Hoang Tran

Healthcare 2025, 13(21), 2659; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13212659 (registering DOI) - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) significantly impairs women’s quality of life (QoL), particularly in resource-limited settings where surgical options may be restricted. Vaginal pessaries provide a conservative and cost-effective treatment, yet local evidence on their effectiveness in Vietnam remains scarce. Methods: In this six-month prospective study, 130 women with stage II–IV POP received vaginal pessaries. QoL was evaluated using validated PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 questionnaires, and changes in symptoms, satisfaction, and adverse events were analyzed. Results: Most women presented with advanced POP (65.4% stage III, 19.2% stage IV). Ring pessaries were most frequently used (64.6%), followed by Gellhorn (23.9%) and Donut (11.5%). Successful fitting was achieved in 95.4% of participants, with six women discontinuing use due to expulsion or discomfort. QoL scores improved significantly after six months: mean PFDI-20 total decreased from 78.5 ± 51.4 to 42.2 ± 38.3 (p < 0.001), and PFIQ-7 total decreased from 62.6 ± 43.2 to 25.1 ± 22.9 (p < 0.001), with all subscales showing consistent improvement. Nearly all women (98.5%) reported symptomatic improvement, and 95.4% were satisfied with treatment. Correlation analyses showed no significant relationships between POP stage and obstetric factors (vaginal delivery, macrosomia, and episiotomy). In multivariate regression analysis including only age, BMI, and POP stage, none were significantly associated with QoL improvement. Conclusions: Vaginal pessary use was safe, highly effective, and well tolerated, leading to symptom and QoL improvements among Vietnamese women with advanced POP. These findings support pessary use as a first-line management option, especially for women who are elderly, have comorbidities, or lack access to surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pelvic Floor Health and Care)

5 pages, 150 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Data-Driven Insights in Healthcare

by Victor R. Prybutok and Gayle L. Prybutok

Healthcare 2025, 13(21), 2658; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13212658 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

We are pleased to present this Special Issue, which is a curated collection of research that showcases the transformative power of data-driven approaches in healthcare [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data Driven Insights in Healthcare)

14 pages, 358 KB

Open AccessArticle

Concerns, Beliefs and Attitudes of Pharmacists About Medical Cannabis Use in Poland

by Piotr Merks, Jameason Cameron, Justyna Kazmierczak, Artur Białkowski, Dariusz Świetlik, Mariola Borowska, Waldemar Wierzba, Urszula Bołkun-Skórnicka, Daniel Śliż, Eliza Blicharska, Jarosław Fedorowski, Regis Vaillancourt and Urszula Religioni

Healthcare 2025, 13(21), 2657; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13212657 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

Introduction: The global use of medical cannabis is steadily increasing. In Poland, medical cannabis was legalised in 2017; however, its use remains limited and not widely integrated into clinical practice. This study aimed to explore the attitudes, concerns, and beliefs of pharmacists and pharmacy students regarding the medical use of cannabis. Methods: A study was conducted in 2021 among 422 pharmacists and pharmacy students in Poland, primarily working in community pharmacies. Data were collected using a custom-designed questionnaire addressing beliefs, concerns, and professional experiences related to medical cannabis. Results: Nearly half of the respondents (48.9%) believe that cannabis should be used exclusively for medical purposes, while 47.6% support its use for both medical and recreational purposes following legalisation. A substantial majority (over 90%) consider cannabis effective for treating adults, with nearly 70% acknowledging its potential for treating children. Over 66% of respondents feel comfortable discussing medical cannabis with patients; however, fewer are confident in providing detailed advice about its use. The findings also highlight concerns about the long-term effects and potential legal implications of dispensing medical cannabis. Conclusions: Pharmacists and pharmacy students in Poland demonstrate openness to the medical use of cannabis and recognise its therapeutic potential. However, to enhance their ability to advise patients effectively, targeted educational initiatives are needed. These should focus on the clinical applications, safety, and long-term effects of cannabis, alongside strategies for addressing patient concerns and ensuring responsible usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience and the Quality of Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Healthcare, Volume 13, Issue 21 (November-1 2025) – 3 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI