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Self‐reported prevalence of endometriosis and its symptoms among Puerto Rican women
Author(s) -
Flores Idhaliz,
Abreu Silkha,
Abac Sonia,
Fourquet Jessica,
Laboy Joaquin,
RíosBedoya Carlos
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.08.010
Subject(s) - endometriosis , medicine , pelvic pain , puerto rican , menstruation , cohort , obstetrics , population , exact test , menstrual cycle , gynecology , demography , surgery , environmental health , sociology , anthropology , hormone
Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of endometriosis and its symptoms in a Puerto Rican cohort, and to describe the menstrual, obstetric, and clinical profiles of the women. Methods A self‐administered questionnaire was given to 1285 Puerto Rican women. Categorical variables were compared using χ 2 analysis or Fisher exact test. Results There were 57 self‐reported cases of endometriosis (48 surgically confirmed) among 1193 valid questionnaires, for a point prevalence of 4.0%. A diagnosis of endometriosis was significantly associated with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain, but not with menstrual cycle characteristics. Undiagnosed women commonly reported signs and symptoms of endometriosis. Conclusions The estimated prevalence of endometriosis in Puerto Rico is 4.0%, comparable to what has been reported in other populations. Endometriosis symptoms were common in the population surveyed, indicating the need for increased awareness and development of public health policies leading to early diagnosis and appropriate management.