Endometriosis als a Health Communication Topic

Endometriosis is a complex disease that affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally, from the onset of their first period (menarche) through menopause regardless of ethnic origin or social status. It is a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes depression, anxiety, and infertility. There is a need for more research and awareness raising around the world to ensure effective prevention, early diagnosis, and improved management of the disease. The study consists of a survey and an experiment. From the survey, we want to find predictors of endometriosis awareness. In the experiment, we will compare general information leaflets of endometriosis (EG1) and a leaflet including additional information about stigmatization of endometriosis (EG1) to a control group that does not get any information about endometriosis at all (CG). The dependent variables will be (1) knowledge, (2) stigmatization of endometriosis and (3) acceptance of policies in the working environment.