An exploration of the perspectives of chronic pelvic pain amongst women from South Asian backgrounds

Description

An exploration of the perspectives of chronic pelvic pain amongst women from South Asian backgrounds and those of the General Practitioners

Aims

To explore views, beliefs and behaviours of women from Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani backgrounds experiencing CPP and GPs’ experiences of managing this group of women.

Research questions

 

1. What are the views, beliefs and behaviours of women from Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani origin who present with CPP in primary care?
2. What sort of intervention(s) would they find acceptable to manage their symptoms and how could these be best delivered?
3. What are the views, beliefs and experiences of GPs who manage this group of women?
4. What type(s) of intervention(s) do GPs think would best support this group of women and who would be best placed to deliver interventions to this group of women?

Method Qualitative study

In-depth interviews with Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani backgrounds experiencing CPP and with GPs’ who have experience of managing this group of women.

Background

Persistent lower abdominal pain, without defined physical pathology, also known as chronic pelvic pain (CPP), is commonly experienced by women of childbearing age.  The underlying pathology is poorly understood and as a result general practitioners (GPs) may find it difficult to manage this condition; it forms part of the Medically Unexplained Symptoms spectrum.  It is evident that the experiences and perspectives of women from South Asian backgrounds, and the GPs who care for them, have not been explored.

People

Dr Kuldip Bharj (PI), Dr Zoe Darwin, Dr Jill Edwards, Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham, Ms Judy Birch, Mrs Julie Scarfe, Ms Ansa Ahmed, Professor Linda McGowan

Funding body: School of Healthcare Research Pump Priming Fund, £5765

Contact: Dr Kuldip Bharj