Endometriosis in the time of internet: how web navigation affects women with endometriosis

Figures & data

Table 1. Baseline characteristics of the study population.

Characteristic	Only internet N = 46 (%)	Other sources N = 154 (%)	p Value
Age (y)	31.4 ± 7.3	34.6 ± 7.6	.01
Marital status			.68
Never married	19 (41.3%)	73 (47.4%)
Married/civil partnership	24 (52.2%)	76 (49.4%)
Divorced	2 (4.3%)	4 (2.6%)
Widowed	1 (2.2%)	1 (0.6%)
Level of education			.34
Primary school	1 (2.2%)	11 (7.1%)
Middle school diploma	4 (8.7%)	20 (13.0%)
High school diploma	21 (45.7%)	62 (40.3%)
Academic degree	19 (41.3%)	50 (32.5%)
Other	1 (2.2%)	11 (7.1%)
Birthplace			.02
Italy	33 (71.7%)	133 (86.4%)
Other Countries	13 (28.3%)	21 (13.6%)
GAD-7 scoring			.03
Minimal (0-4)	6 (13.0%)	18 (11.7%)
Mild (5-9)	16 (34.8%)	68 (44.2%)
Moderate (10-14)	16 (34.8%)	24 (15.6%)
Severe (15-21)	8 (17.4%)	44 (28.6%)
Pre-visit STAI-Y6	52.3 ± 11.5	52.3 ± 15.3	.99
Post-visit STAI-Y6	34.1 ± 11.5	42.1 ± 14.7	.001
Delta STAI-Y6	−18.3 ± 14.7	−10.3 ± 16.5	.003

Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation or counts (percentages).

Bold indicates statistical significant values (p < 0.05).

Table 2. Symptoms and medical conditions assessed during medical examination.

Characteristic	Only internet N = 46	Other sources N = 154	p Value
EHP-5 score	39.7 ± 21.3	42.8 ± 22.8	.41
1. Found it difficult to walk because of the pain	1.3 ± 0.9	1.5 ± 1.3	.27
2. Felt as though symptoms are ruling your life?	1.8 ± 1.4	1.9 ± 1.2	.44
3. Had mood swings?	2.4 ± 1.1	2.5 ± 1.1	.45
4. Felt others do not understand what you are going through?	1.7 ± 1.5	2.1 ± 1.4	.11
5. Felt your appearance has been affected?	1.7 ± 1.2	1.7 ± 1.4	.98
6. Been unable to carry out duties at work because of the pain?	1.0 ± 1.2	1.7 ± 1.3	.005
7. Found it difficult to look after your child/children?	1.2 ± 1.3	1.1 ± 1.2	.43
8. Felt worried about having intercourse because of the pain?	1.5 ± 1.3	1.6 ± 1.4	.53
9. Felt doctor(s) think it is all in mind?	0.8 ± 1.2	1.0 ± 1.3	.46
10. Felt frustrated because treatment is not working?	1.3 ± 1.2	1.8 ± 1.4	.02
11. Felt depressed at the possibility of not having children/more children?	2.7 ± 1.2	1.9 ± 1.4	<.001
Symptoms
Dysmenorrhea (VAS)	5.8 ± 3.1	6.6 ± 2.7	.09
Chronic pelvic pain (VAS)	4.4 ± 3.2	4.8 ± 3.4	.56
Dyspareunia (VAS)	4.1 ± 3.2	4.3 ± 3.3	.71
Dyschezia (VAS)	2.3 ± 3.1	2.6 ± 2.9	.57
Dysuria (VAS)	1.5 ± 2.3	1.9 ± 2.9	.37
Already on medical therapy	14 (30.4%)	74 (48.1%)	.03
Medical therapy prescribed after examination	20 (71.4%)	66 (76.7%)	.57

Values are counts (percentages) or mean ± standard deviation.

Bold indicates statistical significant values (p < 0.05).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [B.O.], upon reasonable request.