Awareness, Knowledge, and Daily Life Impact of Endometriosis Among Women in Libya: A Cross‑Sectional Study

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition that significantly affects women’s quality of life, yet awareness and knowledge of the disease remain limited in many regions. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 women aged 18 years and above residing in Libya to evaluate awareness, knowledge, and the impact of menstrual pain on daily activities. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling, and data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire disseminated electronically via social media platforms. Results showed that the majority of participants were young (60.3% aged 20–29 years), single, and university educated. Despite this, the mean knowledge score was low (1.95/4), with 39% demonstrating poor knowledge. Menstrual pain was highly prevalent, with 84.4% reporting interference with daily activities. Awareness of endometriosis was relatively high (77%), with social media identified as the primary source of information. However, knowledge of diagnostic methods and of the condition's definition was limited, indicating an uneven distribution of awareness across different aspects of the disease. These findings highlight a paradox of high general awareness but poor detailed knowledge, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions and improved clinical pathways. The reliance on social media as a primary source of information presents both opportunities and risks, underscoring the importance of authoritative health communication. Overall, the study reveals significant gaps in knowledge and the functional burden of menstrual pain among Libyan women, calling for comprehensive awareness campaigns and enhanced reproductive health education to reduce diagnostic delays and improve outcomes.