ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AMONG WOMEN IN SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Authors

  • Fadwah H. Tahir, Khadijah M. Alzahrani, Raghad M. Alruhymi, Wafa E. Alatawi, Sami K. Alghamdi, Lubna M. Alnosyan, Deema M. Taweel, Henadi A. Brahim, Safwan O. Alsaedi, Bushra S. Alharbi, Khames T. Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis is a benign condition wherein endometrial like tissue grows outside the uterus and is a common condition affecting women of reproductive age. The condition is associated with symptoms including chronic pelvic pain and infertility, however awareness about the condition is poor especially among young women. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of endometriosis in Saudi women and what demographic factors such as the age, education and socioeconomic status might be associated with it.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed online from July to December 2024, using an observational cross-sectional study, on a random sample of 592 Saudi women aged 18 to 45. Demographic characteristics, knowledge of endometriosis, its symptoms and management options were assessed on the questionnaire. SPSS software program was used to analyze data; significance had been set for demographic factors.

Results: Our participants' mean age was 27.1 years, majority of whom (68.6%) were single and mostly from the Western region of Saudi Arabia (51.4%). 59.5% think ‘endometriosis is an ordinary disease’ and only 12.3% showed an advanced level of knowledge in this disease. Unfortunately, 82.1% recognized that endometriosis severely impacts on their ability to function day to day, but just 13.9% knew the consequences associated with endometriosis left untreated. Among the least aware of diagnostic methods, such as laparoscopy and hormonal treatment, over 60% were. Statistical analysis showed significant relationship of the knowledge levels with age (P=0.010), education (P=0.0001), marital status (P=0.0001) and occupation (P=0.0001). Conclusion: The study also demonstrates a notable deficiency in the level of knowledge and understanding about endometriosis amongst women in Saudi Arabia although such prevalence and impact has been observed. Given the findings, focused educational intervention is also required to improve understanding of endometriosis specifically among younger women and those with lower educational attainment in order to aid early diagnosis and management. They also need the enhanced public health campaigns to counter misconceptions.

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Published

2025-01-12

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How to Cite

ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AMONG WOMEN IN SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 149-169. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1206