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Correlates of health-related quality of life: The influence of endometriosis, body image and psychological wellbeing

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 15:08 authored by Leesa Van NiekerkLeesa Van Niekerk, Steains, EC, Mandy MatthewsonMandy Matthewson
Objective:The understanding as to how people with endometriosis view and relate to their bodies is limited but important given the physical and psychological symptoms associated with the condition. The current study explored the differences in HRQoL (general, physical, emotional) and body image in an endometriosis and control sample. The current study also examined the influence of disease status (+Endo, -Endo), psychological wellbeing, and body image on HRQoL.

Methods:Data was collected via an international online cross-sectional survey examining HRQoL, body image factors (negative appreciation of body size, lack of body familiarity, general body dissatisfaction), and psychological wellbeing (depression, anxiety, somatic concern) in adults.

Results:Participants were grouped by disease status (endometriosis: +Endo n = 318; control: -Endo n = 420). As hypothesised, the +Endo group reported significantly lower HRQoL and poorer body image than those in the -Endo group. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses (MRA) indicated that disease status and somatic concern are significant correlates of general HRQoL, and that disease status and lack of body familiarity are significant correlates of physical and emotional HRQoL.

Conclusions:Endometriosis has a negative impact on HRQoL and body familiarity, with those diagnosed with the condition reporting significantly lower levels of HRQoL. Assessment and treatment of poor body familiarity in people diagnosed with endometriosis is recommended as part of psychological treatment pathways.

History

Publication title

Journal of psychosomatic research

Volume

116

Article number

110993

Number

110993

Pagination

1-7

ISSN

1879-1360

Department/School

School of Psychological Sciences

Publisher

Pergamon Press

Place of publication

Oxford

Rights statement

© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Human pain management; Treatment of human diseases and conditions; Women's and maternal health

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