Awareness of the Symptoms of Endometriosis among Females in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: Endometriosis is a prevalent, persistent gynecological condition that affects 6-10% of females of the reproductive age group. Marked by the growth of endometrial glands and stroma beyond the confines of the uterus, manifesting in areas, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvis, and rarely the abdomen. This study assesses the awareness of endometriosis symptoms among women in Saudi Arabia. It will also explore the association between the level of awareness and sociodemographic characteristics. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional approach was used, the target sample in this study is women from all cities in Saudi Arabia, aged 18 years or older. The data were collected using an online questionnaire designed by Google Forms and distributed electronically via social media. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic information, awareness of symptoms, and source of information regarding endometriosis. Results: 1083 respondents were collected in the study. The majority, 55.6% (n=602), demonstrated high knowledge, falling above the 50th percentile. A minority of participants, 15.1% (n=164) were categorized as having poor knowledge (below the 25th percentile). Out of 1083 respondents, 705 (65.1%) had heard of endometriosis, while 378 (34.9%) had not. 1034 (95.5%) had never been diagnosed with endometriosis, and 49 (4.5%) had been diagnosed. a significant association between the level of endometriosis awareness and age, marital status, specialized in medical profession, occupational status (P value <0,001) for all mentioned factors. The income and region were not significantly associated. Conclusion: Our study highlights that although awareness of endometriosis is relatively high among certain groups, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding specific symptoms and treatment options. The role of digital media in information dissemination is evident. However, the substantial impact of medical professionals on increasing awareness underscores the need for enhanced educational strategies in healthcare settings. Therefore, future studies should focus on targeted educational interventions and improving access to specialized care to bridge these gaps and increase overall awareness and management of endometriosis. Keywords: Endometriosis; Infertility; Ovulation; Dysmenorrhea