Exploring the level of knowledge related to ectopic pregnancy among married Saudi women

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is an abnormal condition in which blastocyst implantation occurs outside the lining of the uterus and is the leading cause of pregnancy-related death. Women who have had one ectopic pregnancy are at increased risk. Early diagnosis may reduce the risk of fallopian tube rupture.

This study assessed the level of knowledge related to ectopic pregnancy among married Saudi women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. This study was conducted at outpatient obstetrics clinics at the Women's Health Specialist Hospital at King Fahad National Guard Hospital in Riyadh. The convenience sample consisted of 255 pregnant women. The data were collected through a structured interviewing questionnaire, which consisted of demographic data and an ectopic pregnancy knowledge assessment tool.

The study's findings revealed that the mean age of the women was 35.50 ± 6.45 years. More than half of the study sample (66.7%) had a university education, and 63.9% delivered via normal vaginal delivery, whereas 27.8% delivered via cesarean section. More than half of the sample had a poor level of knowledge regarding signs and symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and management of EP, with the total mean knowledge score for ectopic pregnancy being 56.96 ± 17.09. Overall, the study sample (60.40%) demonstrated a poor level of knowledge, 31% had a fair level of knowledge, and only 8.6% had a good level of knowledge.

Designing an educational program for women to increase awareness of ectopic pregnancy, including its signs, symptoms, and risk factors, to improve the understanding and prevention of complications of EP.