Beneficial Effect of Physical Activity on Pain-Related Self-Efficacy Among Women with Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain, Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES: Chronic pelvic pain is a common chronic pain syndrome that affects a significant number of women, especially those suffering from endometriosis, affecting health-related quality of life. Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation between endometriosis-related pelvic pain, pain-related self-efficacy, perceived stress, health-related quality of life, and physical activity.

METHODS: The current cross-sectional study was an anonymous research conducted in Hungary among reproductive-age women aged 18-50 (34,39±6,68) in 2023, using online platforms for collecting data. Self-composed questionnaire and Pain-related Self-efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), 36 Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) were used to assess pain-related self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, pain, stress levels and physical activity. The results were analyzed via IBM SPSS version 28.0 software with a significance level of p <0.05.

RESULTS: In our study Spearman rank correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between PSEQ (36.18±17.04) and all domains of SF36 (Physical Functioning: 73.38±23.59; Role limitations due to physical health: 43.87±41.61; Role limitations due to emotional problems: 50.83±44.39; Energy/Fatigue: 45.06±14.03; Emotional well-being: 46.16±14.45; Social Functioning: 62.26±32.35; Bodily Pain: 46.33±28.11; General Health: 44.93±23.74, p<0.001, N=262) (r=0.221**- 0.626**, p<0.001, N=262). There were significant correlations between VAS and all domains of SF36: (r=-0.146** – r= -0.613**, p<0.001, N=262). Significant correlations have been proved between PSEQ and PSS (30.92±8.72) scales (r=-.404^**, p<0.001, N=262) and between PSEQ and the moderate physical activity domain of the GPAQ (r=0.95**, p<0.001, N=262).

CONCLUSIONS: Endometriosis-related pelvic pain is linked to a significant decrease in quality of life and increased stress levels. Regular moderate physical activity can lead to better pain-related self-efficacy and indirectly influence health-related quality of life and stress levels.