Assessment of Endometriosis Knowledge and Its Determinants Among Nurses in Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Endometriosis, a chronic and debilitating gynecological
disorder, exacts a heavy clinical and socioeconomic toll on women’s lives. Despite
its prevalence, its timely diagnosis and effective management are hindered by pervasive
knowledge gaps among frontline nursing professionals, and these are especially pronounced
in under-researched regions such as Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia. Aim: Guided by the
Knowledge–Attitude–Practice model, this study aimed to assess the level of endometriosisrelated
knowledge among nurses in the Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia and to identify
the sociodemographic and professional determinants of knowledge levels. Methods: A
cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical design was employed between January and July 2024,
enrolling 215 nurses from a principal maternity and children’s hospital and two primary
healthcare centers in Sakaka. A rigorously validated, bilingual 20-item questionnaire assessing
four domains (definition, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and treatment goals) was
administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression,
and binary logistic regression to elucidate predictors of knowledge. Results: A concerning
picture emerged: 61% of participants scored below 60% (indicative of low knowledge),
with only 6% achieving high scores. Higher educational attainment proved the strongest
predictor (β = 0.415, p < 0.001), followed by age (β = 0.232, p < 0.001), years of experience
(β = 0.149, p = 0.041), and direct patient care exposure (β = 0.168, p = 0.021). Collectively,
these factors explained 37.6% of the variance in knowledge scores, underscoring a critical
deficit in endometriosis management preparedness. Conclusions: The stark deficiencies in
endometriosis knowledge among nurses in Al-Jouf call for immediate, tailored educational
and policy interventions. Strengthening clinical competencies is essential for fostering early
diagnosis and improving care outcomes for women burdened by this complex condition.