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Knowledge and awareness of endometriosis among women in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study

BMC Women's Health volume 25, Article number: 113 (2025) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Endometriosis is a prevalent yet under-recognized gynecological condition that significantly impacts women’s quality of life. Despite its burden, data on the knowledge and awareness of endometriosis among women in Southwest China remain limited.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of endometriosis among women in Southwest China and identify factors associated with good knowledge.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2024, involving 724 women aged 18 years and older. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire encompassing sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive and medical history, healthcare utilization, and knowledge of endometriosis. Participants were categorized as having “good” knowledge if they scored ≥ 60% on the knowledge assessment. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with good knowledge. A supplementary table was included to present the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) from logistic regression.

Results

The mean age of participants was 32.8 years (SD = 9.4). Overall, 69.0% of participants were aware of endometriosis, but knowledge of specific symptoms, such as painful bowel movements (34.5%) and heavy menstrual bleeding (40.1%), was limited. Factors significantly associated with good knowledge included younger age (26–45 years, AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.23–2.50, p < 0.001), higher education (master’s degree or above, AOR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.80–5.30, p < 0.001), being actively employed (AOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.40–3.10, p < 0.001), and recent pelvic or vaginal ultrasound (< 3 months, AOR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.50–3.60, p < 0.001). Conversely, a history of abortion was negatively associated with good knowledge (AOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25–0.60, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Despite moderate overall awareness of endometriosis, significant gaps in knowledge of symptoms and treatments persist among women in Southwest China. Targeted educational interventions focusing on less-educated, older, and less medically-engaged populations are necessary to improve awareness and reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, causing inflammation, adhesions, and scarring. Affecting approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide, endometriosis is associated with debilitating pelvic pain, infertility, and significant impairments in quality of life [1]. Despite its high prevalence and substantial burden on healthcare systems, delays in diagnosis remain a critical issue, with an average delay of 7–10 years from symptom onset to definitive diagnosis [2]. These delays are partly attributed to limited awareness and understanding of the disease among women and healthcare providers [3].

Knowledge and awareness of endometriosis are essential for early detection and timely intervention. Previous studies have shown that women with greater awareness of endometriosis are more likely to seek medical attention for symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility [4]. Conversely, misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about the condition can lead to underreporting of symptoms, misdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment [5]. In low- and middle-income countries, these challenges are exacerbated by disparities in access to healthcare and education, further delaying diagnosis and increasing the burden on affected women [6].

While studies from Western countries have extensively documented women’s knowledge and perceptions of endometriosis, data from China, particularly its less developed regions, remain scarce. Southwest China, characterized by diverse ethnic populations and varying levels of economic development, presents unique challenges in women’s health education and service delivery [7]. Understanding the knowledge and awareness of endometriosis in this region is critical for designing targeted educational interventions and improving healthcare accessibility.

This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of endometriosis among women in Southwest China and to identify factors associated with good knowledge of the disease. By addressing this knowledge gap, the findings can inform public health strategies and contribute to improving early diagnosis and management of endometriosis in resource-limited settings.

Methods

Study design and setting

This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of endometriosis among women in Southwest China. Data were collected from February to April 2024 using self-administered online and paper-based questionnaires distributed across both urban and rural regions of Southwest China. The online surveys were disseminated via social media platforms, such as WeChat, while paper surveys were distributed at community health centers.

Study population and sample size

The study included women aged 18 years and older residing in Southwest China. Eligibility criteria required participants to be literate and capable of completing the questionnaire. Women with cognitive impairments or severe medical conditions were excluded from the study. Sample size was determined using G*Power software, with an alpha level of 0.05, 90% power, and an estimated effect size of 0.3, accounting for up to 10 predictors in a multivariable logistic regression model. The minimum required sample size was calculated to be 400, and a total of 724 valid responses were analyzed, which exceeded the calculated requirement.

Questionnaire design

A structured questionnaire was developed based on existing literature, expert input, and clinical guidelines, consisting of five sections:

  1. 1.

    Sociodemographic Characteristics: Age, marital status, education level, professional status, and household income.

  2. 2.

    Reproductive and Medical Characteristics: Menstrual cycle regularity, flow characteristics, history of pregnancies, live births, abortions, and medical history (e.g., endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic surgeries, autoimmune conditions).

  3. 3.

    Knowledge Assessment: Eleven items assessing awareness of endometriosis, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment. Each correct answer was scored as 1, while incorrect or “don’t know” responses were scored as 0. Scores ≥ 60% were classified as “good knowledge.”

  4. 4.

    Healthcare Utilization: Frequency of gynecological visits and recency of pelvic/vaginal ultrasounds.

  5. 5.

    Lifestyle Factors: Smoking status and physical activity.

The questionnaire was pilot-tested on 30 participants to ensure clarity and cultural relevance, achieving a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.89 for the knowledge section. Feedback from the pilot study informed final adjustments to the instrument.

Data collection

Data were collected through a combination of online surveys disseminated via social media platforms (e.g., WeChat) and paper-based surveys distributed at community health centers. Informed consent was obtained electronically or in writing, and anonymity was assured for all participants. To ensure the integrity of the data collection process, unique identifiers were assigned to each participant, and IP addresses were logged for online submissions to prevent duplicate responses. For paper-based surveys, participants completed the surveys on-site at community health centers, further minimizing the risk of multiple submissions.

Residency verification

For online participants, residency in Southwest China was verified during the survey registration process, where participants were required to confirm their province and city of residence. This was cross-checked with IP address data to ensure that all respondents met the study’s geographic inclusion criteria.

Variables and definitions

  • Dependent Variable: Knowledge of endometriosis, categorized as “good” (≥ 60%) or “poor” (< 60%) based on the total knowledge score.

  • Independent Variables: Sociodemographic factors, reproductive and medical history, healthcare utilization, and lifestyle behaviors.

Statistical analysis

Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, with continuous variables presented as means and standard deviations and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Univariate analyses were conducted using Chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables to explore associations between participant characteristics and knowledge levels. Variables with a p-value ≤ 0.2 in univariate analysis were included in multivariable logistic regression models to identify independent predictors of good knowledge. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Supplementary Information

To enhance the clarity and comprehensiveness of this study, two supplementary files have been provided. Supplementary File 1 includes an English version of the structured questionnaire specifically developed for this research. The questionnaire assesses sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive and medical history, healthcare utilization, knowledge of endometriosis, and lifestyle factors among participants. Supplementary File 2 presents the results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis, providing adjusted odds ratios (AORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values for all predictors of good knowledge, accounting for potential confounders. This supplementary table complements Table 1 by illustrating the independent effects of each variable on knowledge levels after adjustment for other factors. Both files are cited in the manuscript to ensure accessibility and enhance the interpretability of the findings.

Table 1 Factors associated with good knowledge of endometriosis among study participants (N = 724)
Full size table

Results

Sociodemographic, reproductive, and behavioral characteristics of study participants (N = 724)

Table 2 presents the sociodemographic, reproductive, and behavioral characteristics of the study participants. The mean age of participants was 32.8 years (SD = 9.4), with the majority (56.6%) falling within the 26–45 age group, followed by 18–25 years (30.4%) and 46–65 years (13.0%). In terms of educational attainment, most participants had completed a bachelor’s degree (44.2%), while 15.8% held a master’s degree or higher. A smaller proportion had high school education (20.7%) or education below primary school (19.3%). Regarding professional status, 35.9% of participants reported being actively employed, 15.9% were without a profession, and 48.2% identified as housewives. The marital status of participants showed that 66.3% were married, 26.3% were single, and 7.4% were divorced or widowed. Household monthly income, converted to Renminbi (RMB), revealed that 27.6% of participants earned 723–2,169 RMB per month, while 26.3% earned 2,169–4,338 RMB. Smaller proportions had income below 723 RMB (6.2%) or above 6,507 RMB (12.4%). Regarding lifestyle, 21.4% of participants reported being smokers, and 18.0% engaged in regular physical activity. Menstrual health indicators showed that 70.9% of participants had regular menstrual cycles, and the mean duration of menstrual bleeding was 6.4 days (SD = 1.9). Reproductive history revealed an average of 2.1 pregnancies (SD = 1.8) and 1.7 live births (SD = 1.6), while 27.6% reported a history of abortion. The frequency of recent pelvic or vaginal ultrasounds was also evaluated. Approximately 19.3% of participants reported undergoing ultrasound within the past three months, while 16.6% and 13.8% underwent the procedure within 3–6 months and 6–12 months, respectively. More than half (50.3%) reported not having an ultrasound for over a year.

Table 2 Sociodemographic, reproductive, and behavioral characteristics of study participants (N = 724)
Full size table

Reproductive and medical characteristics of study participants (N = 724)

Table 3 summarizes the reproductive and medical characteristics of the study participants. The mean age at menarche was 12.4 years (SD = 1.5), with an average menstrual cycle length of 28.3 days (SD = 3.6) and a mean duration of menstrual bleeding of 6.4 days (SD = 1.9). The majority (70.9%) reported having regular menstrual cycles, with 72.3% describing their menstrual flow as moderate. In terms of reproductive history, participants had an average of 2.1 pregnancies (SD = 1.8) and 1.7 live births (SD = 1.6). A history of abortion was reported by 27.6% of participants, and 34.5% reported prior use of contraceptives. Regarding gynecological healthcare utilization, 20.7% of participants visited a gynecologist regularly, 27.6% occasionally, and the majority (51.7%) sought care only when necessary. When assessing the recency of pelvic or vaginal ultrasound examinations, 19.3% had undergone the procedure within the last three months, 16.6% within 3–6 months, and 13.8% within 6–12 months. However, over half (50.3%) had not had an ultrasound for more than a year. The prevalence of self-reported medical conditions included 4.1% of participants with a diagnosis of endometriosis, 4.8% with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, 8.3% with pelvic surgeries, and 5.5% with autoimmune inflammatory diseases.

Table 3 Reproductive and medical characteristics of study participants (N = 724)
Full size table

Knowledge and awareness of endometriosis among study participants (N = 724)

Table 4 outlines participants’ knowledge and awareness of endometriosis. While 69.0% of participants were aware of endometriosis as a medical condition, knowledge about specific symptoms was limited. For example, 62.2% correctly identified pelvic pain as a symptom, and 55.2% recognized irregular vaginal bleeding as associated with endometriosis. Pain during menstruation was identified by 52.5%, but awareness of other key symptoms was significantly lower. Only 41.4% acknowledged pain during sexual intercourse as a symptom, and 40.1% were aware that heavy menstrual bleeding could indicate endometriosis. Fewer participants (34.5%) associated painful bowel movements with the condition. Misconceptions were common regarding symptom progression and treatment. For instance, only 16.6% of participants correctly understood that symptoms typically resolve after menopause, while 27.6% knew that hormonal treatments can effectively manage symptoms. Additionally, misconceptions about infertility were prevalent; only 13.8% correctly recognized that not all women with endometriosis experience infertility, and 6.9% refuted the misconception that endometriosis exclusively affects women with children.

Table 4 Knowledge and awareness of endometriosis among study participants (N = 724)
Full size table

Factors associated with good knowledge of endometriosis among study participants (N = 724)

Table 1 presents the factors associated with good knowledge of endometriosis among study participants. Age showed a significant association with knowledge levels, with participants aged 26–45 demonstrating the highest proportion of good knowledge (68.3%), followed by those aged 18–25 (54.5%) and 46–65 (31.9%) (p < 0.001). The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) for participants in the 26–45 age group compared to the 18–25 age group was 1.75, meaning that individuals in the 26–45 age group were 1.75 times more likely to have good knowledge of endometriosis than those in the 18–25 age group, holding all other factors constant. Education level was a strong predictor of knowledge, with 87.7% of participants with a master’s degree or higher demonstrating good knowledge, compared to only 14.3% of those with education below primary school (p < 0.001). The AOR for those with a master’s degree or above was 3.10, meaning they were 3.10 times more likely to have good knowledge than those with less education. Similarly, professional status was significantly associated with knowledge. Actively employed participants showed the highest proportion of good knowledge (73.1%), compared to 43.5% of those without a profession and 43.0% of housewives (p = 0.002). The AOR for actively employed participants was 2.10, indicating they were more than twice as likely to demonstrate good knowledge compared to those without a profession. Marital status also played a role, with single participants showing the highest proportion of good knowledge (78.9%), followed by divorced/widowed participants (57.1%) and married participants (41.7%) (p < 0.001). History of abortion was inversely associated with good knowledge, as only 25.0% of participants with a history of abortion demonstrated good knowledge compared to 59.9% of those without a history of abortion (p < 0.001). The AOR for individuals without a history of abortion was 2.50, indicating they were more likely to have good knowledge. Participants who had undergone a pelvic or vaginal ultrasound in the past three months were more likely to have good knowledge (71.4%) compared to those whose last ultrasound was more than six months ago (38.2%) (p = 0.005). The AOR for participants who had an ultrasound in the past three months was 2.30, indicating they were 2.3 times more likely to have good knowledge than those who had not had an ultrasound recently. Finally, participants with a history of endometriosis exhibited significantly higher levels of good knowledge (66.7%) compared to those without a history of endometriosis (47.6%) (p = 0.011). The AOR for participants with a history of endometriosis was 1.80, meaning they were 1.80 times more likely to have good knowledge than those without a history of the condition. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for these factors, as shown in Supplementary Table 2, provide a more detailed understanding of the predictors of good knowledge about endometriosis. The regression analysis identifies significant factors such as age, education, professional status, history of abortion, ultrasound utilization, and experience with endometriosis as key determinants of knowledge.

Discussion

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the knowledge and awareness of endometriosis among women in Southwest China, revealing critical gaps and identifying factors associated with good knowledge. The findings highlight the importance of sociodemographic, educational, and healthcare-related factors in shaping women’s understanding of this underdiagnosed condition.

The overall awareness of endometriosis in this study was moderate, with 69.0% of participants recognizing it as a medical condition. However, knowledge of specific symptoms, such as painful bowel movements (34.5%) and heavy menstrual bleeding (40.1%), was limited. These results align with prior studies, which also report poor symptom-specific knowledge among women globally [8,9,10]. Misconceptions about the disease’s progression and treatment were prevalent, as evidenced by the low awareness of hormonal treatments (27.6%) and the incorrect belief that all women with endometriosis experience infertility (86.2%). Such misconceptions may contribute to delays in diagnosis and inadequate treatment, consistent with prior literature [11,12,13].

This study identified several key predictors of good knowledge about endometriosis. Younger age (26–45 years), higher educational attainment (master’s degree or above), being actively employed, and recent healthcare engagement (e.g., pelvic ultrasound within the past three months) were significantly associated with good knowledge. These findings echo earlier studies that emphasize the role of education and healthcare access in promoting disease awareness [14,15,16,17]. Conversely, a history of abortion was negatively associated with knowledge, potentially reflecting reduced healthcare engagement among this subgroup.

Our findings are consistent with global trends in endometriosis awareness. Similar studies in Western countries have shown that education and healthcare access play pivotal roles in disease recognition [18,19,20]. However, the knowledge gaps observed in Southwest China are more pronounced, likely reflecting disparities in health education and resources across urban and rural regions. The association between recent pelvic ultrasounds and better knowledge emphasizes the importance of routine gynecological check-ups in increasing awareness, as previously documented [21–22].

The results of this study underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to address knowledge gaps about endometriosis, particularly in less-educated, older, and less medically-engaged populations. Health education campaigns tailored to Southwest China’s unique demographic and cultural context should prioritize raising awareness of symptoms, treatment options, and long-term implications of the disease. Leveraging digital platforms and community-based programs can further extend the reach of these interventions.

Additionally, healthcare providers must play a proactive role in educating women during routine visits. Integrating endometriosis awareness into broader women’s health education programs could mitigate the widespread misconceptions and promote earlier diagnosis and intervention.

There are several limitations in this study that must be acknowledged. First, the study employed a cross-sectional design, which limits the ability to infer causality between the identified factors and good knowledge of endometriosis. Longitudinal studies would be valuable in exploring how knowledge develops over time and whether educational interventions lead to lasting improvements in awareness and healthcare behaviors. Second, the self-reported nature of the data introduces the potential for recall bias and social desirability bias, especially concerning medical history and behaviors such as healthcare utilization and physical activity. Participants may have underreported symptoms or overreported behaviors perceived as socially desirable. While we attempted to minimize these biases by ensuring the anonymity of responses, future studies should explore methods to mitigate these limitations, such as incorporating objective measures of healthcare engagement and symptom tracking through medical records or follow-up surveys. Another significant limitation is the lack of data on urban versus rural residence. The differences in healthcare access, education levels, and health awareness between urban and rural populations in China could potentially influence the results. The absence of this data restricts the generalizability of our findings across different geographic regions. Future research should specifically collect data on urban and rural residence to explore these disparities and better understand how geographical factors influence knowledge and awareness of endometriosis. This will be explicitly addressed in the limitations section of the revised manuscript.

Future research should focus on exploring the longitudinal trends in endometriosis awareness and evaluating the long-term effectiveness of targeted educational interventions. Additionally, qualitative research could provide deeper insights into the cultural and systemic barriers that contribute to the observed knowledge gaps. Investigating how local healthcare practices, cultural beliefs, and societal stigma influence perceptions of endometriosis could enhance the design of more culturally sensitive and effective public health strategies.

In conclusion, this study highlights moderate awareness but significant gaps in knowledge about endometriosis among women in Southwest China. The findings provide actionable insights for public health strategies aimed at improving education and reducing diagnostic delays. Targeted interventions focusing on less-educated, older, and less medically-engaged populations are essential to addressing these disparities and enhancing women’s health outcomes. By identifying the key factors that influence knowledge about endometriosis, this study contributes valuable evidence to guide future public health initiatives and educational programs aimed at reducing the burden of this condition on women’s health in Southwest China.

Data availability

The datasets used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Abbreviations

RMB:

Renminbi (Chinese Yuan)

AOR:

Adjusted Odds Ratio

CI:

Confidence Interval

IRB:

Institutional Review Board

SD:

Standard Deviation

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the participants who generously gave their time to complete the survey. Special thanks are extended to the staff at The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University for their support in data collection and logistics.

Funding

No external funding was received for this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China

    Xingyu Sun

  2. Department of Health Management Center, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China

    Lijuan He

  3. Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Street, Luzhou, China

    Shaohua Wang

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  1. Xingyu Sun
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Contributions

X. Sun contributed to the conceptualization, data collection, data analysis, and drafting of the manuscript. L. He was responsible for the methodology design, supervision of data collection, interpretation of findings, and critical review of the manuscript. S. Wang oversaw the project, contributed to conceptualization, and critically revised the manuscript for intellectual content. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. S. Wang, as the corresponding author, accepts responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the analysis.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shaohua Wang.

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Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study adhered to ethical standards outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, with ethical approval obtained from the Institutional Review Board of The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University (Approval Number: KY2024322). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their inclusion in the study.

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Not applicable.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Sun, X., He, L. & Wang, S. Knowledge and awareness of endometriosis among women in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Women's Health 25, 113 (2025). https://doiorg.publicaciones.saludcastillayleon.es/10.1186/s12905-025-03635-0

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