Managing endometriosis: a cross-sectional survey of women in Australia

Abstract

Purpose: Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition. The aim was to describe the self-reported disease characteristics and factors associated with the use of different treatment modalities among women with surgically diagnosed endometriosis.

Method: A cross-sectional online survey featuring 58 fixed-response items measuring disease characteristics, self-efficacy, health service usage, and treatment approaches was conducted. Logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with different treatment modalities.

Results: Complete data were available from 620 respondents. Average delay to diagnosis was 6.4 years. Despite medical and surgical intervention, 65.8% reported dysmenorrhea and 61.1% reported dyspareunia, and 82.7% reported chronic pelvic pain in the last 3 months. Respondents had consulted an average of three different health practitioner specialties in the previous 12 months for their endometriosis.

Discussion: A chronic disease management plan (CDMP) may be a useful mechanism to coordinate multidisciplinary care among women who experience ongoing symptoms.

Keywords: Endometriosis; chronic disease; self-management; women's health.