Evaluating the Effect of Chronic Pelvic Pain Among Hispanic Women in Puerto Rico [ID 2683625

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) substantially impairs the quality of life of women, often persisting despite treatment. This study aims to describe the clinical features and evaluate the quality of life in Hispanic patients with chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of Hispanic women aged 21–55 diagnosed with CPP. Recruitment was performed via social media and at gynecology clinics in Puerto Rico. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to inquire about their sociodemographic profile, medical history, and details to characterize their CPP. The SF-20 survey was used to evaluate quality of life. Institutional review board approval from the University of Puerto Rico was obtained for this study. RESULTS: Preliminary data included 92 participants with an average age of 33 (±7.4) years. Most (57.3%, 59) reported having endometriosis, in addition to their diagnosed CPP. Most participants described their suffered pain as a range from strong (30, 33.0%) to insufferable (23, 25.3%). On average, participants reported a physical function score of 60.2% (13.2) and a pain score of 60.7% (4.0). Most noted that their ability to perform their work (76.1%, 70) and their mental health (75.0%, 69) had been affected by their condition. In addition, 55.4% (51) reported an effect on their relationships with friends and 64.1% (59) reported an effect on their relationships with their partners. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the effect of CPP on the quality of life of this population with notable disruptions in various aspects of daily living, including work, social relationships, and mental health.