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British South Asian Endometriosis Experiences and Psycho-social Wellbeing: A Participatory and Arts-based Mixed-methods Study

Project Code: 30215485

Project Description:

Endometriosis (or ‘endo’) is a common, but poorly understood, chronic health condition that affects approximately 1 out of every 10 women. Endo can cause symptoms that are highly disruptive, including extremely painful and/or heavy periods, infertility, fatigue, and depression.

There is evidence that South Asian women may be more likely to have endo. To date, however, there is very little research focused on menstrual health and endo experiences with this community. Further, previous research carried out by BCU researchers (and highlighted in the latest NICE 2017 Guidance on Endometriosis) identified a need for more culturally appropriate and sensitive endo information and supports.  

This PhD project will generate the needed evidence for creating culturally sensitive endo supports and information for those from British South Asian communities, leading to improved care and treatment. It is an innovative project that will use an arts-based, participatory approach to evidence and promote awareness around the menstrual health and endo experiences, needs and priorities of those from British South Asian communities. The project will engage local communities and attract national attention via an exhibition of art created by participants. The project will collaborate with local organisations such as Cysters, a reproductive health charity for those from marginalised communities, as well as national organisations such as Endometriosis UK.

The project draws on and further grows BCU’s leading research on endometriosis and menstrual health and on health inequalities (see Identities and Inequalities).

Anticipated Findings:

  • Peer-reviewed publications and demonstrable impact will be generated for multiple REF Units of Assessment, including UoA3 (Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy), UoA4 (Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience), UoA21 (Sociology) and UoA32 (Art and Design)
  • New evidence on the reproductive and menstrual health needs and priorities of British South Asian communities will be generated, with practice and policy implications that will lead to improved health/care/wellbeing for this community and addressing historic health inequalities
  • New knowledge/theories on gendered and racialised health inequalities will be generated, contributing to two main strands of BCU research: endometriosis/menstrual/women’s health and health inequalities research
  • New knowledge/methodologies on conducting interdisciplinary arts-psychology-sociology-health research will be generated and disseminated

Contact (and Director of Studies for this project):

Dr Annalise Weckesser - Annalise.Weckesser@bcu.ac.uk

To apply, visit the course page