Associations between stigma and depression among college-attending women with endometriosis symptoms

Background: Endometriosis is a debilitating and highly stigmatized chronic condition. The relationship between stigma and depressive symptoms among college-attending women with endometriosis symptoms was examined. Method: Data were analyzed from a cross-sectional online survey of undergraduate women (N = 424). Mean anticipated, internalized, and enacted stigma values were calculated. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between stigma score and depressive symptoms. Results: Mean stigma scores were 1.98 (anticipated), 1.46 (internalized), and 1.59 (enacted) on a 5-point scale (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest); 24.1% reported moderately severe/severe depressive symptoms. In adjusted models, stigma was associated with an increased likelihood of moderately severe/severe depressive symptoms (anticipated (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI:1.49-2.59); internalized (aOR =2.67, 95% CI: 1.88-3.85); enacted (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.16-1.42)). Conclusion: College attending-women with endometriosis symptoms experience stigma which is significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Stigma reducing interventions are warranted and may have mental health benefits.