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Assessing the knowledge of endometriosis diagnostic tools in a large, international lay population: an online survey.
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  • Mathew Leonardi,
  • Rodrigo Rocha,
  • Alia Tun-Ismalil,
  • Kristy Robledo,
  • Mike Armour,
  • George Condous
Mathew Leonardi
Nepean Hospital

Corresponding Author:mathew.leonardi@gmail.com

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Rodrigo Rocha
Nepean Hospital
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Alia Tun-Ismalil
The University of Sydney
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Kristy Robledo
The University of Sydney
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Mike Armour
Western Sydney University
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George Condous
Nepean Hospital
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Abstract

Objective: To assess the general population’s knowledge regarding the utility and availability of tools to diagnosis endometriosis, with focus on ultrasound. Design: An international cross-sectional online survey study was performed between August and October 2019. Setting and Population: 5301 respondents, representing 73 countries. Methods: 23 questions survey focused on knowledge of endometriosis diagnosis distributed globally via patient- and community-endometriosis groups using social media. Main outcomes and measures: Descriptive data of the knowledge of diagnostic tools for diagnosing endometriosis, including details about diagnosis using ultrasound. Results: 84.0% of respondents had been previously diagnosed with endometriosis, 71.5% of which were diagnosed at the time of surgery. Ultrasound and MRI were the methods of diagnosis in 6.5% and 1.8%, respectively. 91.8%, 28.8%, and 16.6% of respondents believed surgery, ultrasound and MRI could diagnose endometriosis, respectively (more than one answer allowed). In those diagnosed by surgery, 21.7% knew about ultrasound as a diagnosis method compared to 51.5% knowing in those diagnosed non-surgically (p<0.001). 14.7%, 31.1%, and 18.2% stated superficial, ovarian, and deep endometriosis could be diagnosed with ultrasound (32.9% stated they did not know which phenotypes of endometriosis could be diagnosed). 58.4% of respondents do not believe they could access an advanced ultrasound in their region. Conclusions: There are significant gaps in the understanding of diagnosing endometriosis using non-surgical tools in this study population.
22 Mar 2021Submitted to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
24 Mar 2021Submission Checks Completed
24 Mar 2021Assigned to Editor
01 Apr 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 May 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
17 Jun 20211st Revision Received
18 Jun 2021Submission Checks Completed
18 Jun 2021Assigned to Editor
18 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Dec 2021Published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology volume 128 issue 13 on pages 2084-2090. 10.1111/1471-0528.16865