Effect of Diagnostic Delay on Life Satisfaction, Anxiety, and Depression in Indian Women with Endometriosis

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of diagnostic delay on life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression among 50 Indian women with endometriosis. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected via purposive and snowball sampling from women aged 18–45. Diagnostic delay was categorized into four groups. Life satisfaction was assessed with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Spearman’s correlations revealed no significant associations between diagnostic delay and life satisfaction,  anxiety , or depression. Multiple regression analyses showed that diagnostic delay did not predict these outcomes . Significant correlations among outcomes for anxiety-life satisfaction, for depression-life satisfaction,  suggest psychological distress impacts the quality of life. Findings indicate cultural resilience, or methodological limitations may attenuate delay effects in India’s urban context. The study underscores the need for psychological interventions and improved diagnostic infrastructure to support India’s 2023 Women’s Health Policy.