title: Coping strategies employed by women with endometriosis in a public health-care setting.
abstract: This study explored how South African patients attending public health facilities reported coping with endometriosis. A total of 16 women with endometriosis were interviewed, and we explored how participants coped with endometriosis. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Participants reported employing both problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies to cope with endometriosis. Problem-focused strategies included limiting physical activities, increasing knowledge about endometriosis, scheduling social and work activities around menstrual cycle, engaging in self-management and relying on social support. Emotion-focused coping strategies included accepting the disease, adopting a positive attitude, engaging in self talk and evoking spirituality.
authors.affiliation: Stellenbosch University, South Africa rizwanaroomaney@sun.ac.za.
authors.forename: Rizwana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Roomaney
authors.affiliation: Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
authors.forename: Ashraf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kagee
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006783:Hospitals, State; D006801:Humans; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013019:South Africa; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: chronic illness; coping; endometriosis; reproductive health; self-management