Abstract
Objectives: To determine the impact of the diagnostic test method
(clinical, diagnostic imaging, or diagnostic laparoscopy) of
endometriosis on the individual’s sense of control over their disease
and their perceived access to social supports. Design: Retrospective
cohort study. Setting: International. Population: 1,634 people aged
18-55 who had received a diagnosis of endometriosis. Methods: This study
reports on data collected by the validated Endometriosis Health
Profile-30 (EHP-30) section of a larger survey conducted between May and
July 2020. Participants were recruited by social media platforms. Scores
on the dimensions of interest were analysed with diagnostic method as
the variable of interest. Diagnostic method proportionality was also
assessed as a secondary outcome by geographical region. Main Outcome
Measures: Scores on the dimensions of control and powerlessness
and social support on the EHP-30. Results: There was a difference
between control and powerlessness scores for patients that
received a diagnosis via imaging (ultrasound/magnetic resonance imaging)
versus clinical diagnosis (P=0.049). However, this did not reach
significance when co-variates were controlled for (P=0.054). No other
comparisons between diagnostic method and EHP-30 scores demonstrated a
difference. There was a statistically significant (P<0.0001)
difference in the rate of utilization of the various diagnostic imaging
techniques between geographical regions with diagnostic imaging being
relatively uncommon and surgery being the most common method of
diagnosis. Conclusions: The diagnostic method of endometriosis does not
appear to have a clinically significant impact on an individual’s sense
of control over their disease nor their access to social supports.