Quality of life in Brazilian women with endometriosis assessed through a medical outcome questionnaire.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the quality of life in women with pelvic pain associated with endometriosis through the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).


METHODS
The study was cross-sectional and conducted at a tertiary care center. Sixty women diagnosed surgically with endometriosis were interviewed during the first half of 2001.


RESULTS
In general, a poor quality of life was observed among the women interviewed. No correlation was found between the quality of life and intensity of pain, use of medications and/or living with a partner. Women with moderate or severe endometriosis scored better on the emotional aspects of the questionnaire. Among those who exercised regularly, better scores on mental health were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
According to the SF-36 questionnaire, this cohort study of Brazilian women with endometriosis showed a poor quality of life.
Marques
Andréa
A
Physical Therapy Section, Women's Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil.
Bahamondes
Luis
L
Aldrighi
José Mendes
JM
Petta
Carlos Alberto
CA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health