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Social isolation in women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain
Author(s) -
Mellado Bruna H.,
Falcone Ananda C.M.,
PoliNeto Omero B.,
Rosa e Silva Julio C.,
Nogueira Antonio A.,
CandidodosReis Francisco J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.08.024
Subject(s) - medicine , endometriosis , social isolation , pelvic pain , focus group , isolation (microbiology) , gynecology , multidisciplinary approach , grounded theory , qualitative research , physical therapy , family medicine , psychiatry , surgery , bioinformatics , sociology , social science , biology , marketing , business
Objective To evaluate the perceptions of women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain regarding their social ties. Methods A qualitative study was undertaken of women with chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis. Focus groups discussions among four to six participants were performed until saturation at the Clinics Hospital of Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, southwest Brazil, between February 2013 and January 2014. Transcripts were analyzed according to the grounded theory approach and the emerging categories were coded using the WebQDA platform. Results Six focus group discussions took place, with a total of 29 patients. Social isolation was the main emerging theme. Social isolation was associated with a lack of understanding about endometriosis symptoms and with resignation in face of recurrent pain episodes. Avoiding partner intimacy and isolation from family and friends were components of social isolation. Conclusion Women with endometriosis develop progressive social isolation after the onset of chronic pelvic pain. This finding is important for the multidisciplinary management of the disease.