Endometriose e suas consequências na qualidade de vida das profissionais de enfermagem de Lagarto-SE

Abstract

Introduction: Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition, affects women of different ages and is characterized by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Some women are asymptomatic, while others present symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, infertility, and bowel and urinary symptoms. Diagnosis is made by specialist consultation and imaging tests, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment is individualized and may include medication and/or surgery, depending on the severity of the case. Objective: To evaluate the effects of endometriosis on the quality of life of nursing professionals in Lagarto, Sergipe. Method: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study with a mixed data approach. Data collection was carried out by applying the Endometriosis Health Profile Questionnaire-30, in its Portuguese version, applied to nursing professionals working in a hospital institution from January to February 2025. The variables analyzed were: pain, control and impotence, emotional well-being, social support, self-image, work environment, relationship with children, sexual relations, medical professional, treatment and pregnancy difficulties. Eligible participants were those diagnosed with endometriosis, excluding pregnant women, lactating women or those with chronic diseases that cause pain interfering with the evaluation. This research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under N° 7.257.567 (CAAE: 82721224.4.0000.0217). Results and Discussion: Ten nursing professionals participated in the study, with an average age of forty point three years. The data indicate that their quality of life was affected. The variables emotional well-being (54.3) and pain (47.4) presented higher averages of worse quality of life. On the other hand, aspects such as work (19.3) and relationship with child(ren) presented lower averages, suggesting less impairment. Conclusion: Endometriosis affects women's quality of life in several aspects, such as physical, social and emotional.