TITLE:
Prevalence and Correlates of Pelvic Endometriosis in an Urban Center of Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Théophile Njamen Nana, Alida Estelle Noundjeu Tongna, Robert Tchounzou, Fulbert Mangala Nkwele, Humphry Neng, Cedric Junior Nana Njamen, Fidelia Kobenge Mbi, Chrisantus Ndzometia, Isaac Mboh Eyong, Andre Gaetan Simo Wambo, Alphonse Ngalame, Charlotte Tchente Nguefack, Gregory Halle Ekane, Thomas Obinchemti Egbe, Henri Essome, Emile Mboudou
KEYWORDS:
Pelvic Endometriosis, Prevalence, Associated Factors, Laparoscopy, Cameroon, Sub-Saharan Africa
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.5,
May
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition worldwide but remains poorly documented in sub-Saharan Africa, largely due to limited access to diagnostic laparoscopy. Understanding its prevalence and associated factors is essential for improving clinical recognition and management. Objective: To determine the surgical prevalence and factors associated with pelvic endometriosis among women undergoing gynecological laparoscopy in Douala, Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study over a 10-year period (January 2014-December 2022) in three tertiary hospitals in Douala. Medical records of women who underwent gynecological laparoscopy for indications such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, adnexal masses, or suspected ectopic pregnancy were reviewed. Pelvic endometriosis was primarily diagnosed by direct laparoscopic visualization of characteristic lesions by experienced surgeons. Biopsy with histological confirmation was performed when lesions were atypical or when diagnostic uncertainty existed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with pelvic endometriosis. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was set at p Results: A total of 440 women were included. The surgical prevalence of laparoscopically diagnosed pelvic endometriosis was 22.5%. Histological confirmation was obtained in 81 of the 88 biopsied cases (92.0%). In multivariate analysis, age at menarche ≤ 11 years (AOR = 5.14; 95% CI: 2.49 - 10.64; p Conclusion: Nearly one-quarter of women undergoing gynecological laparoscopy in three tertiary hospitals in Douala had pelvic endometriosis. Early menarche and short menstrual cycles were strongly associated with the condition, while prior pelvic surgery and low gravidity showed inverse associations. These findings highlight the importance of improving access to laparoscopic diagnostic services to enhance the detection and management of endometriosis in similar resource-limited settings.