New research from PhD candidate, Deniz Senyel, sheds light on how culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women navigate the complex task of finding reliable information about endometriosis.
Although endometriosis affects around one in seven women, many face long delays in diagnosis and report feeling unsupported in managing the condition.
Working with CALD women in Victoria, Deniz found that cultural taboos and stigma can subtly shape how women seek information about endometriosis.
“Women described relying on three main sources of information: healthcare professionals, online resources and other women with lived experience of the condition,” Deniz says.
Each source had benefits as well as limitations.
“Healthcare professionals were often preferred because they could offer personalised guidance, yet some participants felt providers had limited knowledge of endometriosis, reducing confidence in the information they received.”
“Online resources were widely used for their accessibility, but many women found the volume of information overwhelming.”
Deniz says the findings highlight opportunities to strengthen informational support, including improving endometriosis education for healthcare professionals, developing clearer evidence‑based online resources, and creating safe spaces for CALD women to share experiences and advice.
The next stage of Deniz’s research will explore the specific information needs of CALD women with endometriosis and how information resources can be better designed to support them.
