Importance of lay organizations for coping with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the coping resource of social support for women with endometriosis.


METHODS
The social support experience of 46 women who participate in an endometriosis support group on the internet were examined. A questionnaire was designed to explore the social support experiences of these women in four relationship categories: spouse/partner, friends/extended family, other with endometriosis and health care providers.


RESULTS
The participants' responses were analyzed for themes. Overall themes that emerged from the analysis include: the participants wanted to be listened to and believed, they wanted their support network to be knowledgeable about endometriosis, they wanted others to understand the symptoms of the disease, and they wanted their support system to share information about the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, the women with endometriosis in this study value connections to other women with endometriosis. Also, in general, these women want information from their health care providers and others in their support network. Physicians are in a good position to help these women connect to a vast network of information and support.
Whitney
M L
ML
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires