Loneliness and Social Isolation in Individuals with Endometriosis and Related Gynaecological Conditions: A Systematic Review

Rationale for the review There is a growing body of research investigating the prevalence and bi-directional impact of loneliness and social isolation with various chronic health conditions, due to the negative consequences of loneliness and social isolation on mental health outcomes (i.e., anxiety and depression), physical health outcomes (i.e., inactivity), and overall quality of life (Christiansen et al., 2021). Gynaecological conditions refer to a category of diseases that impact the female reproductive system, including but not limited to Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Dyspareunia (Pehlivan et al., 2023). These conditions are often associated with pain, stigma, depression, and disruptions to daily functioning, all which may contribute to experiences of loneliness and social isolation (Culley et al., 2013). However, the experience of loneliness and social isolation in individuals with endometriosis and related gynaecological conditions have not been systematically reviewed. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Review Objectives The primary aim of this review is to identify the reported prevalence and levels of loneliness and social isolation, and their psychosocial and clinical correlates, among individuals with endometriosis and related gynaecological conditions. Where sufficient homogenous data are available, a meta-analysis of the pooled prevalence of loneliness and/or social isolation will be conducted. Where meta-analysis is not appropriate, findings from quantitative studies will be synthesised narratively.