Patient engagement, quality of life and chronic pain: A cross-sectional study on endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, significantly impacting their daily lives, mental health, and quality of life. This study explores the relationship between chronic pain, patient engagement, and quality of life among women with endometriosis. Utilizing a sample of 354 women the study employed the WHOQOL-BREF, Patient Health Engagement Scale, and Numerical Pain Rating Scale to measure QoL, engagement, and pain intensity, respectively. Results indicated significant correlations between chronic pain and reduced QoL, as well as between higher patient engagement and improved QoL. Structural equation modeling revealed that patient engagement partially mediates the negative impact of chronic pain on QoL, suggesting that active involvement in health management can mitigate some adverse effects of chronic pain. These findings underscore the importance of patient engagement in enhancing QoL and managing endometriosis, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to foster proactive health management among affected women.