Influence of App-Based Self-Management on the Quality of Life of Women With Endometriosis

Introduction: Endometriosis can significantly impair the quality of life of those affected. Multimodal selfhelp measures are recommended but are often difficult to access. Smartphone apps have been shown to improve the quality of life for other conditions with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the Endo-App (Endo Health GmbH, Chemnitz, Germany) on both disease-related quality of life and symptoms of endometriosis affecting it. Methods: In the present randomized, controlled pilot study, the impact of utilizing the Endo-App on the quality of life among a sample of 122 women affected by endometriosis is assessed. To measure the changes over a 12-week period, the study incorporates the validated Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-5 and EHP30) questionnaire from Oxford University, among other assessment tools. Results: The use of the Endo-App leads to significant changes in the following areas after 12 weeks compared to the control group: pain disability, pain self-efficacy, fatigue, depressive symptoms, and Endometriosis Health Profile scores. The EHP-5 score from T0 to T12 is reduced by-16.76 (p-value of the Mann-Whitney U test (p(U)) = 0.008), and the EHP-30 score by-15.48 (p(U) = 0.004). The results remain significant in sensitivity analyses. The effect size of Cohen's d was in the medium range. Conclusion: In summary, the Endo-App improves both physical and psychological symptoms and the patient's self-efficacy. The Endo-App contributes to improving endometriosis care in Germany and enables women suffering from endometriosis to significantly increase their quality of life.