Abstract
Objective
To explore the associations between intimate relationships, psychological health, and endometriosis-related variables such as pelvic pain and infertility.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, data were collected with an online survey delivered through Qualtrics and posted on the Facebook page and website of a patient association (Associazione Progetto Endometriosi—APE) in August 2020. The survey was composed of a researcher-made questionnaire and four validated questionnaires assessing relational satisfaction (adapted Quality of Marriage Index), dyadic coping (Dyadic Coping Questionnaire), and psychological health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale).
Results
Participants were 316 women (age: 35.9 ± 6.7) with endometriosis, who reported being in an intimate relationship from at least one year. A greater perceived negative impact of the disease on past and current intimate relationships was associated with poorer psychological health, lower relational satisfaction and worse dyadic coping. Women who perceived their partner as more informed about endometriosis, more informed about and interested in their health conditions, and more likely to accompany them to the medical appointments, showed greater relational satisfaction and dyadic coping. Relational satisfaction and dyadic coping were associated with psychological health. A greater perceived negative impact of endometriosis on intimate relationships was associated with more severe pelvic pain (especially dyspareunia).
Conclusion
Endometriosis has a negative impact on intimate relationships, which is associated with poorer psychological health. For the women with the disease, partner's support is important, and our findings suggest that effort should be made to involve both members of the couple in multidisciplinary treatment.
Lingua originale | English |
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pagine (da-a) | 1-7 |
Numero di pagine | 7 |
Rivista | Journal of Psychosomatic Research |
DOI | |
Stato di pubblicazione | Pubblicato - 2021 |
Keywords
- Dyadic coping
- Endometriosis
- Intimate relationships
- Online survey
- Psychological health
- Self-esteem