Exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards endometriosis among both patients and healthcare providers : a scoping review protocol

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Alzahrani, Khalid and Mueller, Tanja and Weir, Natalie Mcfadyen (2025) Exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards endometriosis among both patients and healthcare providers : a scoping review protocol. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

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Abstract

Objective: This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing literature on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of endometriosis among both patients and healthcare providers. Introduction: Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition affecting an estimated 10% of reproductive-aged individuals globally. Despite its significant impact, diagnosis is frequently delayed by years due to a combination of patient, provider, and systemic factors. Previous research suggests that gaps in knowledge, negative attitudes, and misconceptions among both patients and healthcare professionals contribute to these delays and to suboptimal care. However, the evidence base remains fragmented, with studies varying in scope, methodology, and focus. There is currently no comprehensive synthesis that explores how KAP influences the endometriosis care pathway across different populations and health systems. Inclusion Criteria: This review will consider all primary research studies (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods) exploring knowledge, attitudes, or perceptions of endometriosis among patients diagnosed with the condition and healthcare providers directly involved in their care. Studies will be included if they report on KAP regarding symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, or support, and are published in English. Excluded are studies focusing on non-diagnosed individuals, healthcare professionals outside endometriosis care, and publications not presenting original data. Methods: The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR reporting framework. A comprehensive search will be conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. Grey literature and reference list screening will be incorporated to ensure thorough coverage. Study selection and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Extracted data will be presented narratively and in tabular form, thematically categorized by participant type (patients, providers) and KAP domains (knowledge, attitudes, perceptions).

ORCID iDs

Alzahrani, Khalid ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5893-985X, Mueller, Tanja ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0418-4789 and Weir, Natalie Mcfadyen ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1422-9415;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)