Patients’ beliefs about the causes of myomas: a pilot study from a large European city

David, Matthias; Alpheus, Miriam; Kentenich, H.

doi:10.1080/0167482x.2017.1296428

Cited by 2 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 19 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…As in other studies concerning patients with tumors, irritable bowel syndrome or fibroids, the proportion of patients who agreed to at least one possible subjective theory of illness when completing a standardized questionnaire such as the IPQ-R was very high (over 90%). 14,31,32…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A previous study on subjective theories of illness in fibroid patients also confirmed stress as a frequently mentioned factor. 14 According to the only published study on subjective theories of illness in endometriosis patients to date, one in eight women assumed that the cause of their illness was prioritizing their career. 16 Stress as a cause of illness is receiving more and more attention, and the notion of stress is now thought to be dominant in our culture.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…22 Previous studies on the subjective illness theories of patients with fibroids confirm that patients frequently assumed “hereditary factors” to be the cause of their illness. 14 When patients believe that the cause of their illness cannot be influenced, they tend to worry less about their own (deficient) behavior. Perceiving one’s illness as hereditary can thus have a relieving effect.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The number of cases necessary for the study was estimated based on the occurrence of genetic predisposition as suspected cause of illness in patients with fibroids in the study of David et al 14 since genetic predisposition is a known risk factor for both fibroids and endometriosis that has been verified in literature. 21,22 67.3% of patients in the cohort of David et al 14 believed a genetic predisposition was the cause of their fibroids. Our hypothesis was that this figure would be lower in patients with endometriosis and therefore allowed for 15% lower prevalence in this group.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…11 Very few studies are available internationally on subjective theories of illness in patients with fibroids or endometriosis, even though, fibroids and endometriosis are the most common benign chronic proliferative illness in gynecology. 12–16 Moreover, Symptoms related to fibroids and endometriosis can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the women affected. 17–20…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Subjective theories of illness in fibroid and endometriosis patients: Similarities, differences, and influencing factors

Münch

Ebert²,

Mechsner

et al. 2022

Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the subjective theories of illness in patients with fibroids and patients with endometriosis, and to identify potential factors influencing them. Methodology: Participating patients were recruited via three specialized centers for fibroids and endometriosis. To assess their subjective theories concerning the cause of their illness, we used a questionnaire based on the revised Illness Perceptions Questionnaire (IPQ-R). We also gathered and evaluated data relating to sociodemographic factors and psychological distress or possible anxieties using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7). Results: We were able to analyze data from 201 patients with fibroids and 212 patients with endometriosis. About 94.4% of the patients had one or more subjective theories concerning the cause of their illness. Both groups perceived “stress or worry” to be the most probable cause of their illness. Compared to endometriosis patients, patients with fibroids were more likely to assume “aging” and “heredity” as the cause of their illness. Endometriosis patients, on the other hand, were more likely to choose theories pertaining to the “environmental influences and immune system” category. The patients’ age, formal education, and conspicuous score values in the K10 or GAD-7 questionnaire proved to be important factors influencing their beliefs about the cause of illness. Conclusion: Patients perceive stress and psychological strain as possible causes for their illness. It might be beneficial to take this information into account in conversations between doctors and patients and when drawing up psychosomatic-gynecological treatment plans.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%