Pubmed
 2018 Apr 12:1-8. doi: 10.1080/0167482X.2018.1450384. [Epub ahead of print]

Impact of coping strategies on quality of life of adolescents and young women with endometriosis.

Author information

1
a Department of Psychology , Ponce Health Sciences University - School of Medicine , Ponce , PR , USA.
2
b The Allan Jennings Agency , Thomas J. Stephens & Associates, Inc. , Carrollton , TX , USA.
3
c Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Microbiology , Ponce Health Sciences University - School of Medicine , Ponce , PR , USA.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent, inflammatory, painful condition affecting 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. The symptoms of endometriosis-dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, infertility-negatively impact the quality of life (QoL) of the affected women. Few studies have been conducted on mental health and QoL impact in a younger endometriosis patient population (adolescents and young women). This study quantitative, cross-sectional study was designed to address this gap by ascertaining whether coping strategies may impact the QoL of this patient population.

METHODS:

After consent, participants (n = 24) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI), Endometriosis Health Patient-5 (EHP-5) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

RESULTS:

Participants reported the use of both positive and maladaptive strategies to deal with the symptomatology, which were associated with QoL levels and mental health status. Associations between QoL and maladaptive coping strategies (e.g. autocriticism, social withdrawal) were uncovered. Cognitive restructuring was identified as an adaptive coping strategy that impacts QoL positively.

CONCLUSION:

These results provide additional evidence showing that endometriosis symptoms substantially affect the psychological well-being of young patients and identify opportunities for interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioral, rational/emotive therapy) to implement coping styles leading to improved QoL.

KEYWORDS:

Endometriosis; adolescents; anxiety; coping; depression; pelvic pain; quality of life; young adults


Dr. K's Comment:

This study concluded that "endometriosis symptoms substantially affect the psychological well-being of young patients and identify opportunities for interventions". While this is NOT news to us nor to our endo patients perhaps it can lessen the ignorance around endo in adolescents.