Sonographic Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids and the Associated Patient Experience: The Psychosocial and Cultural Challenges Encountered

Abstract

Objective:

To explore the psychological impact, coping strategies, and healthcare experiences of African women undergoing a sonographic diagnosis of uterine fibroids, guided by the Lazarus Stress and Coping Theory and the Engel Biopsychosocial Model.

Materials and Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Nigerian women aged 26 to 50 years, purposively recruited from public and private patient waiting rooms (e.g., 6 awaiting initial diagnosis; 14 in surveillance). Data were analyzed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

Three themes captured women’s experiences. (1) Psychological distress and threat appraisal: anxiety, fear, reduced self-esteem, and fertility concerns, most acute during initial diagnosis. (2) Adjustment and coping strategies: reliance on religious belief, family/partner support, lifestyle modifications, and complementary therapies, with ambivalence toward surgical treatment largely driven by concerns about potential effects on infertility. (3) Healthcare encounters and information gaps: inconsistent communication and counseling that led women to rely on informal sources of information.

Conclusion:

A diagnosis of uterine leiomyomas can be marked by substantial emotional burden, influenced by cultural beliefs, fertility expectations, and variable healthcare communication.