The relationship between women's symptoms of endometriosis and self-esteem.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between women's symptoms of endometriosis and self-esteem.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Private practice.


METHODS
Twenty-three mostly middle class, employed women who had been diagnosed with endometriosis and had received treatment from a physician.


METHODS
The volunteer subjects completed a two-part questionnaire. One part consisted of questions on demographic characteristics, health history, menstrual history, and symptoms of endometriosis, and the other part consisted of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.


METHODS
The relationship between women's self-esteem and perceptions of the number, frequency, and severity of their symptoms.


RESULTS
No significant correlation was found between self-esteem and the number, frequency, and severity of endometriosis symptoms. Significant correlations were found between the number/frequency of symptoms and the severity of pain and between the frequency and number of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Although endometriosis symptoms did not influence self-esteem, they interfered with women's lives. Assessment of psychosocial status and nursing interventions designed to relieve pain are important factors in assisting women with endometriosis.
Christian
A
A
Harris Methodist Health Systems, Fort Worth, TX.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires