Abstract

Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecologic disease affecting 5–10% of women of reproductive age of all ethnicities. Symptoms of this painful condition impact the physical, mental health, and quality of life of patients. Stigma is a social determinant of health documented to negatively impact people living with chronic conditions and have been associated with social exclusion, high levels of stress, and interference with medical care. The purpose of this study was to document stigma experiences among Latina women living with endometriosis.

Methods

A qualitative design using focus groups was implemented. Thematic analysis was conducted for data interpretation. A total of 50 women participated in five focus groups.

Results

The main theme “changuería” emerged as a label applied across multiple contexts and interactions in the lives of participants, suggesting that stigmatization is an ever-present barrier among women living with endometriosis. Participants reported that relatives, partners and health professionals perceive pain during menstruation as something women should be able to manage, producing a sense of inability to disclose the extent of suffering.

Conclusion

These results highlight the importance of addressing stigma as a way to foster healthcare seeking and minimize its impact on physical, mental health, and wellbeing.

中文翻译：

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“Es que tú eres una changa”：患有子宫内膜异位症的拉丁裔女性的耻辱经历

摘要

介绍

子宫内膜异位症是一种慢性炎症性妇科疾病，影响 5-10% 的所有种族育龄妇女。这种痛苦的症状会影响患者的身体、心理健康和生活质量。污名是一种健康的社会决定因素，据记录会对慢性病患者产生负面影响，并与社会排斥、高压力和干扰医疗保健有关。本研究的目的是记录患有子宫内膜异位症的拉丁裔女性的耻辱经历。

方法

实施了使用焦点小组的定性设计。为数据解释进行了专题分析。共有 50 名女性参加了五个焦点小组。

结果

主题“ changuería ”作为一个标签出现在参与者生活中的多种背景和互动中，这表明污名化是子宫内膜异位症女性中一直存在的障碍。参与者报告说，亲属、合作伙伴和卫生专业人员认为月经期间的疼痛是女性应该能够控制的，从而产生一种无法透露痛苦程度的感觉。

结论

这些结果强调了解决污名化作为促进寻求医疗保健并将其对身体、心理健康和福祉的影响的一种方式的重要性。