The integrative health status of women with uterine fibroids wishing to maintain fertility: a cross-sectional study based on Levine's conservation model.

PURPOSE: The increasing incidence of uterine fibroids (UFs) among women who could consider conception presents challenges. This study examined the relationships among fatigue, UF symptom severity, sexual function, anxiety, and loneliness across diverse life conditions and treatment stages in women with UFs wishing to maintain fertility.

METHODS

This descriptive correlational study, guided by Levine's conservation model, included 221 women with UFs hoping to maintain their reproductive potential. Participants were recruited from gynecology-focused online communities, and data were collected through an online survey. The questionnaire gathered information on general and treatment-related characteristics, as well as measures of fatigue, UF symptom severity, sexual function, anxiety, and loneliness. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, the Welch test, and Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Most participants (91.9%) experienced fatigue, and sexual dysfunction was prevalent (85.5%). Fatigue, sexual function, anxiety, and loneliness levels were significantly intercorrelated (p≤.001), whereas UF symptom severity was only associated with fatigue (r=.51, p<.001) and sexual function (r=-.41, p<.001). Women without specific pregnancy plans exhibited greater anxiety and poorer sexual function than those with plans, and women with low economic status showed poorer outcomes for most variables. Women currently undergoing medical treatment reported the highest UF symptom severity, while those with a longer diagnosis history or not currently receiving treatment exhibited greater anxiety and loneliness.

CONCLUSION

Women with UFs intending to maintain fertility face multidimensional and interrelated health challenges. Beyond fibroid-focused treatments, clinical nursing and education should integrate physical and psychosocial health indicators while supporting reproductive health.