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Thurnherr N, Burla L, Metzler JM, File B, Imesch P. Attitudes and perceptions of affected women towards endocrine endometriosis therapy: an international survey based on free-word association networks. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:83-92. [PMID: 37879845 PMCID: PMC10767788 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the attitudes and perceptions towards endocrine endometriosis therapy? SUMMARY ANSWER Among the study population, endocrine endometriosis therapies are associated with negative mental images and emotions and there seems to be a pre-therapeutic information deficit on the part of physicians. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Endocrine therapies, as the current standard of conservative endometriosis treatment, have good efficacy and improve symptoms and quality of life in most patients. Nevertheless, clinical practice repeatedly shows rejection on the part of patients, which may result in reduced compliance and discontinuation of therapy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Cross-sectional study among endometriosis patients using a multilingual questionnaire distributed via the most popular social media channels between November 2020 and February 2021. A total of 3348 women participated in the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Based on a pilot phase, an international, multilingual online survey was conducted among women affected by endometriosis. The questionnaire included free-word associations and questions about personal medical history, source of information, and demographic data. Mental representations were detected based on modules of the co-occurrence network of associations. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Six modules with different dominant emotional labels emerged from the confluence of associations to endocrine endometriosis therapy mentioned by participants. Five modules reflected negative mental associations, with the most frequently mentioned words being 'side effects', 'pain', 'ineffective', 'depression', and 'uncertainty'. Of the 12 most frequently selected emotions, only 'optimistic' was positive. Side effects affecting mental health are the most important reason for deciding against endocrine therapy in our survey population. Twenty-seven percent of respondents reported knowing little about endocrine therapies for endometriosis. Social media are the most frequently used sources of information and were rated as the most useful. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION By translating the questionnaire, questions might have been understood differently depending on the language. By using social media channels for distribution, digitally literate patients were targeted. The survey population might not be representative as patients who are critical/unhappy with therapy are more likely to seek advice from peer groups. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study replicate the findings of a recent survey in three European countries. Given the prevalence of endometriosis and the few emerging pharmaceutical alternatives, these data point to a growing need for further research and development of non-hormonal drugs for treating endometriosis. Most endometriosis patients are young and digitally literate, and much information is obtained from alternative sources, such as social media. Careful education before starting therapy should be taken seriously, and patients' concerns should be addressed individually by health care providers. This could help reduce misunderstanding and misinformation and improve treatment adherence and satisfaction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) There is no funding or conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The trial is not registered at any trial registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Thurnherr
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - L Burla
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J M Metzler
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B File
- Theoretical Neuroscience and Complex Systems Research Group, Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - P Imesch
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Adler H, Lewis M, Ng CHM, Brooks C, Leonardi M, Mikocka-Walus A, Bush D, Semprini A, Wilkinson-Tomey J, Condous G, Patravali N, Abbott J, Armour M. Social Media, Endometriosis, and Evidence-Based Information: An Analysis of Instagram Content. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:121. [PMID: 38201027 PMCID: PMC10778603 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Social media platforms are used for support and as resources by people from the endometriosis community who are seeking advice about diagnosis, education, and disease management. However, little is known about the scientific accuracy of information circulated on Instagram about the disease. To fill this gap, this study analysed the evidence-based nature of content on Instagram about endometriosis. A total of 515 Instagram posts published between February 2022 and April 2022 were gathered and analysed using a content analysis method, resulting in sixteen main content categories, including "educational", which comprised eleven subcategories. Claims within educational posts were further analysed for their evidence-based accuracy, guided by a process which included fact-checking all claims against the current scientific evidence and research. Of the eleven educational subcategories, only four categories (cure, scientific article, symptoms, and fertility) comprised claims that were at least 50% or greater evidence-based. More commonly, claims comprised varying degrees of evidence-based, mixed, and non-evidence-based information, and some categories, such as surgery, were dominated by non-evidence-based information about the disease. This is concerning as social media can impact real-life decision-making and management for individuals with endometriosis. Therefore, this study suggests that health communicators, clinicians, scientists, educators, and community groups trying to engage with the endometriosis online community need to be aware of social media discourses about endometriosis, while also ensuring that accurate and translatable information is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Adler
- Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia;
| | - Monique Lewis
- Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia;
| | - Cecilia Hoi Man Ng
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (C.H.M.N.); (J.A.)
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials (NECST) Network, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Cristy Brooks
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia;
| | - Mathew Leonardi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4LB, Canada
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | | | - Deborah Bush
- World Endometriosis Organisations (WEO), Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
| | - Alex Semprini
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | | | - George Condous
- Endometriosis Ultrasound and Advanced Endosurgery Unit, Sydney Medical School Nepean, Sydney, NSW 2747, Australia
- Nepean Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2747, Australia
| | - Nikhil Patravali
- Nepean Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2747, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2747, Australia
- Monash IVF, Sydney, NSW 2747, Australia
- Mildura Private Hospital, Mildura, VIC 3500, Australia
| | - Jason Abbott
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (C.H.M.N.); (J.A.)
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials (NECST) Network, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mike Armour
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia;
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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Reinhardt A, Eitze S. Breaking the endometriosis silence: a social norm approach to reducing menstrual stigma and policy resistance among young adults. Psychol Health 2023:1-23. [PMID: 37921431 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2023.2277838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometriosis is a menstrual disorder that affects one in ten women. Diagnosis often takes several years due to low awareness and menstrual stigma. In this study, we employed a social norm approach (SNA) to investigate the effects of an educational leaflet on endometriosis knowledge, menstrual stigma, and acceptance of paid menstrual leave among women and men. METHODS The 3 × 2 online experiment tested the influence of either descriptive norm messages or both descriptive and injunctive norm messages (compared to a control group, factor 1) in an educational leaflet by taking the role of addressee's sex into account (quasi-experimental factor 2). The study included 796 German participants aged 16-35. RESULTS Men exhibited significantly poorer knowledge, stronger menstrual stigma, and weaker policy acceptance compared to women. No significant main effect of the social norm messages on menstrual stigma was found. In contrast, the combined norm messages seem to be beneficial when addressing policy acceptance. Moreover, compared to the control group, the intervention material indirectly influenced stigma and policy acceptance through increased knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Providing information about social norms appears to be an effective strategy for educating not only women but especially men about menstrual disorders like endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Reinhardt
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Eitze
- Department of Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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Kalaitzopoulos DR, Samartzis N, Eberhard M, Grigoriadis G, Miliaras D, Papanikolaou A, Daniilidis A. Co-Existence of Endometriosis with Ovarian Dermoid Cysts: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6308. [PMID: 37834953 PMCID: PMC10574005 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Both endometriosis and ovarian dermoid cysts are benign conditions characterized by the presence of well-differentiated tissues in ectopic locations. The presence and surgical excision of these entities can potentially impact ovarian reserves, contributing to reduced chances of future pregnancy. The objective of our study is to investigate the bidirectional association between endometriosis and ovarian dermoid cysts, as well as to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with both conditions. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including women who underwent laparoscopy and received histological diagnoses of endometriosis and/or dermoid cysts between 2011 and 2019 at the Cantonal Hospital of Schaffhausen. We identified 985 women with endometriosis and 83 women with ovarian dermoid cysts. Among these groups, 22 women presented with both endometriosis and ovarian dermoid cysts. The majority of the above patients had endometriosis stage rASRM I-II (72.7%), with peritoneal endometriosis being the most common phenotype of endometriosis (77.2%). Out of the 14 patients with a desire for future pregnancy, the majority (11/14, 78.5%) had an EFI score of 7-8. The prevalence of bilateral ovarian dermoid cysts was higher in women with both ovarian dermoid cysts and endometriosis in comparison to women with ovarian dermoid cysts without endometriosis (18% vs. 6.5%). Our study revealed that 26.5% of women with ovarian dermoid cysts also had endometriosis, a notably higher prevalence than observed in the general population. Clinicians should be aware of this co-existence, and preoperative counseling should be an integral part of the care plan for affected individuals, where the potential risks and the available options for fertility preservation should be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Samartzis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cantonal Hospital of Schaffhausen, 8208 Schaffhausen, Switzerland; (N.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Markus Eberhard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cantonal Hospital of Schaffhausen, 8208 Schaffhausen, Switzerland; (N.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Georgios Grigoriadis
- 2nd University Department in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokratio General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.G.)
| | - Dimosthenis Miliaras
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Alexis Papanikolaou
- 2nd University Department in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokratio General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.G.)
| | - Angelos Daniilidis
- 1st University Department in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Goel R, Modhukur V, Täär K, Salumets A, Sharma R, Peters M. Users' Concerns About Endometriosis on Social Media: Sentiment Analysis and Topic Modeling Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45381. [PMID: 37581905 PMCID: PMC10466158 DOI: 10.2196/45381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a debilitating and difficult-to-diagnose gynecological disease. Owing to limited information and awareness, women often rely on social media platforms as a support system to engage in discussions regarding their disease-related concerns. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to apply computational techniques to social media posts to identify discussion topics about endometriosis and to identify themes that require more attention from health care professionals and researchers. We also aimed to explore whether, amid the challenging nature of the disease, there are themes within the endometriosis community that gather posts with positive sentiments. METHODS We retrospectively extracted posts from the subreddits r/Endo and r/endometriosis from January 2011 to April 2022. We analyzed 45,693 Reddit posts using sentiment analysis and topic modeling-based methods in machine learning. RESULTS Since 2011, the number of posts and comments has increased steadily. The posts were categorized into 11 categories, and the highest number of posts were related to either asking for information (Question); sharing the experiences (Rant/Vent); or diagnosing and treating endometriosis, especially surgery (Surgery related). Sentiment analysis revealed that 92.09% (42,077/45,693) of posts were associated with negative sentiments, only 2.3% (1053/45,693) expressed positive feelings, and there were no categories with more positive than negative posts. Topic modeling revealed 27 major topics, and the most popular topics were Surgery, Questions/Advice, Diagnosis, and Pain. The Survey/Research topic, which brought together most research-related posts, was the last in terms of posts. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that posts on social media platforms can provide insights into the concerns of women with endometriosis symptoms. The analysis of the posts confirmed that women with endometriosis have to face negative emotions and pain daily. The large number of posts related to asking questions shows that women do not receive sufficient information from physicians and need community support to cope with the disease. Health care professionals should pay more attention to the symptoms and diagnosis of endometriosis, discuss these topics with patients to reduce their dissatisfaction with doctors, and contribute more to the overall well-being of women with endometriosis. Researchers should also become more involved in social media and share new science-based knowledge regarding endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Goel
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Vijayachitra Modhukur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katrin Täär
- Women's Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rajesh Sharma
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maire Peters
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
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