Subjective theories of illness in fibroid and endometriosis patients: Similarities, differences, and influencing factors

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the subjective theories of illness in patients with fibroids and patients with endometriosis, and to identify potential factors influencing them. Methodology: Participating patients were recruited via three specialized centers for fibroids and endometriosis. To assess their subjective theories concerning the cause of their illness, we used a questionnaire based on the revised Illness Perceptions Questionnaire (IPQ-R). We also gathered and evaluated data relating to sociodemographic factors and psychological distress or possible anxieties using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7). Results: We were able to analyze data from 201 patients with fibroids and 212 patients with endometriosis. About 94.4% of the patients had one or more subjective theories concerning the cause of their illness. Both groups perceived “stress or worry” to be the most probable cause of their illness. Compared to endometriosis patients, patients with fibroids were more likely to assume “aging” and “heredity” as the cause of their illness. Endometriosis patients, on the other hand, were more likely to choose theories pertaining to the “environmental influences and immune system” category. The patients’ age, formal education, and conspicuous score values in the K10 or GAD-7 questionnaire proved to be important factors influencing their beliefs about the cause of illness. Conclusion: Patients perceive stress and psychological strain as possible causes for their illness. It might be beneficial to take this information into account in conversations between doctors and patients and when drawing up psychosomatic-gynecological treatment plans.

A qualitative investigation into the role of illness perceptions in endometriosis-related quality of life

“…As there is no known cause for endometriosis, perceptions around causation may not be particularly strong within this population which may be reflected in the acquired results. However, research suggests that many individuals experiencing endometriosis do hold subjective views of the cause of their condition (Münch et al, 2022), and in the current research the absence of a known cause often prompted a negative emotional response. Therefore, future research could endeavour to establish whether there is a link between perceptions of endometriosis cause and QoL and/or wellbeing.…”

Chronic Pelvic Pain in Endometriosis: Cross-Sectional Associations with Mental Disorders, Sexual Dysfunctions and Childhood Maltreatment

“…As pointed out by Wischmann [33], patients affected by a disease without a clear pathogenesis, such as EM, strive for a sense of coherence and a regain of interpretative control, which can lead to individuals using any subjectively plausible explanation for their disease; therefore, the possibility of recall bias must be considered in the retrospective assessment of CM in EM patients. To exemplify this, in a recent study [34], when asked for their subjective theories of disease pathogenesis, the majority of women reported psychological factors, such as stress or worry, as a possible cause for their EM.…”