Public perceptions of endometriosis: perspectives from both genders.
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.


METHODS
Survey study.


METHODS
Family waiting room of a large university hospital.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. dkshah@partners.org
Divya K
DK
Shah
Molly B
MB
Moravek
Anjel
A
Vahratian
Vanessa K
VK
Dalton
Dan I
DI
Lebovic
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D011639:Public Opinion; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult