Uses of digital technologies by women with endometriosis in France.

Summary Context: Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects approximately 10% of menstruating women. The symptoms, which are little known and often poorly identified, are expressed mainly by pain and/or disturbances in the frequency, duration or flow of menstrual cycles. It generally takes 5 to 8 years from onset to diagnosis, and the effectiveness of treatments varies from one woman to another and over time. The psychosocial impact is significant (depression, anxiety, degraded quality of life, feelings of isolation) and the difficulty of finding understanding and informed social support for the disease is often reported by these women. Digital technologies, in particular by offering the possibility of access to communities of patients, would make it possible to meet this need. However, no study has taken a quantitative approach to the use of digital technologies and their effects on the health behaviors of women with endometriosis. The first objective of our study is therefore to describe the use of digital technologies in this population. The second objective is to identify whether users determine the levels of health-related variables and the quality of the relationship with the doctor. Method: 213 women completed an online questionnaire measuring: 1) Internet use (frequency, sites consulted, information sought), mobile applications and connected health objects. 2) several health variables (motivation, sense of self-efficacy, empowerment) . 3) the quality of the patient-physician relationship and 4) their perception of the benefits and limitations of digital technologies. Statistics and structural equation models will be performed. Expected results and outcomes: This study will provide a better understanding of the uses of digital technologies by women with endometriosis and the links with their health and relationship with their doctor. More specifically, the results will allow us to describe how different types of digital technology may or may not be beneficial to these women and at what stages of the care process.