Open AccessPublic perceptions of endometriosis: perspectives from both genders
Author(s) -
SHAH DIVYA K.,
MORAVEK MOLLY B.,
VAHRATIAN ANJEL,
DALTON VANESSA K.,
LEBOVIC DAN I.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016341003657900
Subject(s) - endometriosis , medicine , perception , gynecology , family medicine , biology , neuroscience
Objective. Many women with endometriosis experience significant delay between the onset of symptoms and definitive diagnosis. Much is published on physician awareness of endometriosis and on the experiences of women with the condition. There is a paucity of data, however, surrounding perceptions of endometriosis in the general population. This study aims to assess knowledge of endometriosis among individuals of both genders. Design. Survey study. Setting. Family waiting room of a large university hospital. Population. A total of 543 men and women. Methods. Surveys were distributed to men and women over the age of 18 in the family waiting room of a large university hospital. Main outcome measures. A series of questions regarding the etiology, symptoms, and treatments for endometriosis were combined into a composite knowledge score. Results. Knowledge of endometriosis was positively correlated with female gender, education level, regular health care, and exposure to individuals with the disease. Women diagnosed with endometriosis were more likely to have discussed symptoms of the condition with their physicians than women without the diagnosis. Conclusions. Individuals of both genders have limited knowledge of the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, which may contribute to the delay in diagnosis of the condition.