From womanhood to endometriosis: findings from focus groups with women from different ethnic groups

Endometriosis is a long-term, disabling condition,
and a common cause of chronic pelvic pain, yet little
is known about the experience of the disease among
women from minority ethnic groups. This paper
reports on the first phase of a UK-based study
(the Endocul Project), which explored community
awareness of endometriosis and the experience of
living with the disease in a sample of women from
a range of minority ethnic communities (Indian,
Pakistani, African Caribbean, Chinese and Greek/
Greek Cypriot). Focus groups were conducted with
healthy women from these five communities on
contextual issues surrounding endometriosis and
the women’s awareness of the condition. The data
reveal many similarities between the groups, and
between them and the majority white population.
They also highlight cultural differences in perceptions
of reproduction, fertility and menstruation.
While not wishing to stereotype women, the findings
of this study demonstrate the importance for providers
of healthcare of recognising socio-cultural
differences.