• A Charles Sturt Honours student conducting research seeks women in rural, remote and regional areas who have endometriosis and work in agriculture
• The study aims to understand their experiences seeking a diagnosis and the demands of the condition while working in the industry
• Women who meet the criteria can participate in a survey

A Dubbo-based Charles Sturt University student knows all too well the challenges facing women in remote areas undergoing diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis.

Fourth-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy student in the Charles Sturt School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences Ms Clair Stiff is now using her experiences to help improve the healthcare system for women with endometriosis who live in regional, rural and remote areas and work in agriculture.

Ms Stiff grew up on a property in the Dubbo area, moved away to study and has recently returned to complete her placement at the Western Local Health District Clinical School.

Ms Stiff has her own battles with endometriosis and working in a male-dominated agriculture industry while dealing with symptoms and trying to obtain a diagnosis.

Her mother, who also has endometriosis, recognised the symptoms in her daughter and advocated for diagnosis and treatment.

“Coming from a farming background, I was able to see myself, my mother and many similar women struggle with pelvic pain conditions and keep agricultural operations going, as well as their businesses and their families,” she said.

“On top of dealing with chronic pelvic pain conditions in a male-dominated industry, seeking medical attention in regional, rural and remote areas can also put a strain on a patient’s health.

“This is why it is so important for regional, rural, and remote areas to have more specialist health clinics.”

Ms Stiff is conducting research as part of her Honours project and seeks female participants over the age of 18 who reside in regional, rural or remote Australia and work in the agriculture industry.

Participants must have an endometriosis diagnosis or suspected diagnosis from a healthcare team.

Using online surveys and interviews, Ms Stiff intends to determine the impact of endometriosis for women in regional, remote and rural Australia who work in the agriculture industry and their experiences in seeking a diagnosis.

She wants to determine the physical and mental demands of the disease for women in agriculture and what strategies these women use to facilitate participation in the industry.

“We want to learn about their experiences getting diagnosed, how endometriosis affects their work and wellbeing, and what strategies they use,” she said.

“The research is important because there is very little information about how endometriosis affects women in regional, rural and remote agricultural settings.

“Understanding their experiences can help improve support, awareness and access to appropriate health care and workplace resources for women in similar situations.

“I am hoping my study will bring light to these women’s voices as well as highlight key issues surrounding the topic that may have never been mentioned before.”

In late 2025, the Australian Government announced 11 new Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics to open in regional locations across the country. A clinic already operates in Orange, where Ms Stiff has previously been a patient, and a new clinic was announced to open at Nova Health Co in Wagga Wagga in early 2026.

Ms Stiff hopes her research can help the development of these clinics’ services and potentially establish new clinics in more regional locations.

She believes Dubbo is a good candidate for a clinic because many people from outlying areas travel to the town for medical appointments.

“Dubbo is home to multiple services for people in Western NSW to reduce the travel burden allowing them to access quality and specialist care,” she said.

“An Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic would be valued in this area to help reduce a lack of healthcare access for women with endometriosis in regional, rural, and remote locations.”

For more information or to participate in the survey, contact Ms Stiff at clairstiff22@gmail.com.