Bridging Clinical Care and Self-Management: Impact of Nursing Module Based on WHO’s Universal Self-Care Framework in Women with Endometriosis

Abstract

<b>Aims:</b> This study aims to assess the effect of a structured universal self-care practices module on improving self-care compliance and health maintenance behaviors among women with endometriosis, and to determine if it reduces pain severity. <b>Design:</b> A quasi-experimental design was used. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 90 women confirmed a diagnosis of endometriosis, who were free from any chronic medical or gynecological comorbidities, and who had not received any pain relief pharmacological interventions. <b>Results:</b> The study and control groups were comparable at baseline regarding socio-demographic and clinical characteristics (<i>p</i> > 0.05). Following the intervention, the study group demonstrated significant improvements in universal self-care practices compared to the control group at one month (M = 69.2 ± 11.6 vs. 58.3 ± 8.83; t = -4.93, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and three months (M = 76.4 ± 16.5 vs. 61.5 ± 12.2; t = -4.89, <i>p</i> = 0.001). A strong negative correlation was found between self-care and symptom severity at one month (r = -0.70, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and three months (r = -0.83, <i>p</i> < 0.001), indicating that improved self-care was associated with reduced symptoms. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study highlights the vital role of nursing-led, WHO-based self-care interventions in improving compliance and reducing pain among women with endometriosis. Integrating such programs into routine care can enhance self-management and overall quality of life. <b>Patient or Public Contribution:</b> Integrating individualized, nursing-led self-care programs into routine endometriosis management can improve symptom control through ongoing education and follow-up. Nurses play a pivotal role in empowering women's self-management, while adopting the WHO Universal Self-Care Framework can strengthen gynecological care policies and practices.