Learning to live with endometriosis: Findings from a phenomenological study among women in Mauritius, a state in the Indian Ocean

Marie Chan Sun, Kamleshwaree Sunnoo, Indeeren Vencatachellum
In: International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences · 2022 · vol. 17 , pp. 100473 · doi:10.1016/j.ijans.2022.100473 · W4294663359
article OA: gold CC0 ⤵ 2 in-corpus citations
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-06 ⓘ

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of Mauritian women with endometriosis, revealing themes of delayed diagnosis, pain management, and adapting to life with the condition.

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Abstract

aspects Endometriosis which affects a woman’s life in many remains an indecipherable condition which has been unexplored among non-Caucasian populations. This study was thus undertaken in Mauritius, which is a country belonging to the World Health Organization African Region. Its objectives were to explore the experience of women having endometriosis and to describe the essence of living with endometriosis. This qualitative research with phenomenological approach was undertaken among Mauritian women with Endometriosis. Data was collected by means of interviews until saturation point and was processed using Thematic Analysis method to identify patterns. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies was used to ensure comprehensive reporting of the interviews undertaken. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional research ethics committee. Findings The participants were aged between 26 and 44. The following themes were identified: (1) Making sense of the condition, (2) Embracing life with leaves, (3) Experimenting medication and (4) Learning to live with the disease. This study delineates the difficult journey, from stranded pain-suffering women with undiagnosed condition to diagnosed patient taking control over the disease. They experienced a long and difficult period in relation with the delayed diagnosis by health professionals of their condition. This study thus highlights the need for training programs to empower health professionals for timely diagnosis, effective management and compassionate support.

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endometriosis

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