Knowledge and application of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background Ovarian cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the seventh most common cancer and the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Annually, it claims the lives of approximately 207,000 women worldwide. Early detection is crucial, as most cases are diagnos...

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Main Author: Rana Aldahlawi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: PeerJ Inc. 2025-07-01
Series:PeerJ
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Online Access:https://peerj.com/articles/19746.pdf
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author Rana Aldahlawi
author_facet Rana Aldahlawi
author_sort Rana Aldahlawi
collection DOAJ
description Background Ovarian cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the seventh most common cancer and the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Annually, it claims the lives of approximately 207,000 women worldwide. Early detection is crucial, as most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. Common diagnostic tools include Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) and ultrasound, but these methods are limited by sensitivity, specificity, and operator dependence. The Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) and the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the Adnexa (ADNEX) model, which integrates ultrasound and CA125, offer improved diagnostic accuracy. This study aims to assess the knowledge and application of these models among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 148 gynecologists from various hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that was distributed online, designed to evaluate their knowledge and application of the RMI and ADNEX models. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and factors influencing the utilization of these models were identified through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The study found that 72% of the gynecologists were familiar with the RMI, and 58% were aware of the ADNEX model. However, only 46% reported regularly using the RMI, and 32% used the ADNEX model in their practice. Key barriers to the application of these models included a lack of training (56%), and limited access to necessary diagnostic tools (48%). Gynecologists with more than 10 years of experience were significantly more likely to use the RMI (odds ratio (OR): 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.3–4.8]) and the ADNEX model (OR: 2.1, 95% CI [1.1–4.0]). Conclusion In Saudi Arabia, gynecologists show moderate knowledge of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management, with higher familiarity for RMI than ADNEX. However, application in clinical practice is limited. Experience level influences usage, while lack of training and diagnostic access remain key barriers. Targeted educational efforts and improved resource availability are needed to support broader clinical adoption.
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spelling doaj-art-c540ba3ee4c548bfaa86ef18dd6a6baa2025-08-20T02:47:37ZengPeerJ Inc.PeerJ2167-83592025-07-0113e1974610.7717/peerj.19746Knowledge and application of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional studyRana AldahlawiBackground Ovarian cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the seventh most common cancer and the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Annually, it claims the lives of approximately 207,000 women worldwide. Early detection is crucial, as most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. Common diagnostic tools include Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) and ultrasound, but these methods are limited by sensitivity, specificity, and operator dependence. The Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) and the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the Adnexa (ADNEX) model, which integrates ultrasound and CA125, offer improved diagnostic accuracy. This study aims to assess the knowledge and application of these models among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 148 gynecologists from various hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that was distributed online, designed to evaluate their knowledge and application of the RMI and ADNEX models. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and factors influencing the utilization of these models were identified through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The study found that 72% of the gynecologists were familiar with the RMI, and 58% were aware of the ADNEX model. However, only 46% reported regularly using the RMI, and 32% used the ADNEX model in their practice. Key barriers to the application of these models included a lack of training (56%), and limited access to necessary diagnostic tools (48%). Gynecologists with more than 10 years of experience were significantly more likely to use the RMI (odds ratio (OR): 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.3–4.8]) and the ADNEX model (OR: 2.1, 95% CI [1.1–4.0]). Conclusion In Saudi Arabia, gynecologists show moderate knowledge of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management, with higher familiarity for RMI than ADNEX. However, application in clinical practice is limited. Experience level influences usage, while lack of training and diagnostic access remain key barriers. Targeted educational efforts and improved resource availability are needed to support broader clinical adoption.https://peerj.com/articles/19746.pdfOvarian cancerRisk of malignancy index (RMI)ADNEX modelGynecologySonographic scoringClinical decision-making
spellingShingle Rana Aldahlawi
Knowledge and application of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
PeerJ
Ovarian cancer
Risk of malignancy index (RMI)
ADNEX model
Gynecology
Sonographic scoring
Clinical decision-making
title Knowledge and application of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_full Knowledge and application of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_fullStr Knowledge and application of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_full_unstemmed Knowledge and application of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_short Knowledge and application of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management among gynecologists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
title_sort knowledge and application of sonographic scoring models for ovarian cancer management among gynecologists in saudi arabia a cross sectional study
topic Ovarian cancer
Risk of malignancy index (RMI)
ADNEX model
Gynecology
Sonographic scoring
Clinical decision-making
url https://peerj.com/articles/19746.pdf
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