Lived Experiences of Endometriosis‐Related Pain and Perceptions of a Blended Digital CBT Intervention: A Mixed‐Methods Study
6 affiliations
- 1Department of Medicine and Optometry Linnaeus University Kalmar Sweden lnu.se
- 2Department of Clinical Neuroscience Karolinska Institute Stockholm Sweden ki.se
- 3Region Kalmar County Kalmar Sweden
- 4School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences Center for Health and Medical Psychology (CHAMP) Örebro University Örebro Sweden oru.se
- 5Pain Clinic Capio Saint Göran′s Hospital Stockholm Sweden
- 6Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute Maastricht University Maastricht the Netherlands maastrichtuniversity.nl
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is associated with reduced health and quality of life yet remains poorly understood and undertreated. The Digital behAvioural HeaLth treatment for chronIc pAin (DAHLIA) aims to enhance behavioural self‐management and resilience to pain through six self‐guided digital modules and regular therapist contact. This study aimed to explore women’s lived experiences of endometriosis‐related pain and their perceptions of the DAHLIA content and structure.
Methods: Six women with endometriosis were consecutively recruited. Semistructured interviews were conducted and analysed using Thematic Analysis. Qualitative findings were complemented by patient‐reported outcome measures collected before and after the treatment and analysed with the Reliable Change Index.
Results: Participants expressed positive views of the treatment, particularly valuing therapist contact via phone/video over in‐person or text‐based communication. A recurring theme was feeling seen and acknowledged, contrasting previous experiences of dismissal in healthcare. Time demands were noted as a challenge. PROMs indicated reductions in pain and mixed outcomes regarding psychological symptoms and pain acceptance, suggesting potential utility of the intervention.
Conclusion: The DAHLIA treatment appears feasible and well‐received, with findings indicating potentially meaningful improvements in physical and psychological domains. This study supports DAHLIA as a promising treatment option for women with endometriosis, warranting further investigation.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05066087
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BibTeX
@article{petersson2026lived,
title = {{Lived Experiences of Endometriosis‐Related Pain and Perceptions of a Blended Digital CBT Intervention: A Mixed‐Methods Study}},
author = {Suzanne Petersson and Linnéa Engman and Ellen Carlsson and Afra Taygar and Sara Laureen Bartels and Rikard K. Wicksell},
journal = {Pain Research \& Management},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1155/prm/6150844},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1155/prm/6150844},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Lived Experiences of Endometriosis‐Related Pain and Perceptions of a Blended Digital CBT Intervention: A Mixed‐Methods Study
AU - Suzanne Petersson
AU - Linnéa Engman
AU - Ellen Carlsson
AU - Afra Taygar
AU - Sara Laureen Bartels
AU - Rikard K. Wicksell
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/06
JO - Pain Research & Management
DO - 10.1155/prm/6150844
UR - https://doi.org/10.1155/prm/6150844
AB - Background: Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is associated with reduced health and quality of life yet remains poorly understood and undertreated. The Digital behAvioural HeaLth treatment for chronIc pAin (DAHLIA) aims to enhance behavioural self‐management and resilience to pain through six self‐guided digital modules and regular therapist contact. This study aimed to explore women’s lived experiences of endometriosis‐related pain and their perceptions of the DAHLIA content and structure. Methods: Six women with endometriosis were consecutively recruited. Semistructured interviews were conducted and analysed using Thematic Analysis. Qualitative findings were complemented by patient‐reported outcome measures collected before and after the treatment and analysed with the Reliable Change Index. Results: Participants expressed positive views of the treatment, particularly valuing therapist contact via phone/video over in‐person or text‐based communication. A recurring theme was feeling seen and acknowledged, contrasting previous experiences of dismissal in healthcare. Time demands were noted as a challenge. PROMs indicated reductions in pain and mixed outcomes regarding psychological symptoms and pain acceptance, suggesting potential utility of the intervention. Conclusion: The DAHLIA treatment appears feasible and well‐received, with findings indicating potentially meaningful improvements in physical and psychological domains. This study supports DAHLIA as a promising treatment option for women with endometriosis, warranting further investigation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05066087
SN - 1203-6765
SN - 1918-1523
ER -