Psychosocial determinants of quality of life in individuals with endometriosis in Croatia

The primary aim of this study is to explore how pain, chronic fatigue, and catastrophizing relate to endometriosis-specific and health-related quality of life in individuals with endometriosis. The study specifically seeks to determine to what extent these physical and psychological variables contribute to diminished quality of life, and whether catastrophizing and chronic fatigue serve as moderators in the relationship between pain and quality of life. Drawing on existing literature and clinical findings, the study is grounded in the hypothesis that greater levels of pain, fatigue, and catastrophizing are associated with reduced quality of life. It is expected that these variables will significantly predict lower quality of life. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that catastrophizing and fatigue will amplify the impact of pain on quality of life, acting as moderating variables. Participants will consist of 150 adult women residing in Croatia, all of whom have received a medical diagnosis of endometriosis. Recruitment will be conducted online through endometriosis-related social media groups. Individuals currently pregnant, postmenopausal or diagnosed with a comorbid psychiatric disorder will be excluded from participation. Data will be collected through an online survey comprising validated self-report instruments. General quality of life will be measured using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and endometriosis-specific quality of life will be assessed via the Short Form Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-5). Psychological distress will be evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), while catastrophizing will be measured using the Catastrophizing subscale from the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ). Pain intensity and fatigue will be assessed using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), with additional single-item measures for pain and fatigue duration.