Innovative adolescent endometriosis research

Researcher

Amie Randhawa, STEAM PhD student

Research aims

The research aims to explore the awareness and experiences of endometriosis in adolescent girls. Endometriosis is a female condition, where cells similar to those that line the womb are found elsewhere in the body.  The condition often begins during adolescence, however very little research to date has focused on this age group, therefore Amie Randhawa - one of 50 STEAM scholars at Birmingham City University - will conduct research on this topic.

Method of research

Amie will use a qualitative methodology to explore the experiences of teenage girls living with endometriosis, including the social and psychological effects it has on their day-to-day lives. She will also assess the information and support currently available on the condition, which affects approximately 10 per cent of women of reproductive age and can cause painful periods, tiredness and sometimes infertility. In addition, Amie will seek to explore the general awareness of endometriosis among adolescents attending local schools, using quantitative survey methodology.

Applications

It is hoped that the research will give a voice to teenagers that are suffering from the condition, while also exploring and raising the general awareness surrounding it. With very little research on the effects of endometriosis on teenage girls currently in existence, Amie hopes her research will highlight opportunities for improving the care and education that adolescents receive, to ensure prompt diagnosis and appropriate support. .

Benefits

The research will provide a much-needed comprehensive study of endometriosis in adolescent girls, providing a better understanding of the illness experience in this demographic.