Assessment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Knowledge among Unmarried Women Seeking Care at Secondary Healthcare Facilities

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the level of awareness regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) among young, unmarried females attending secondary healthcare institutions. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural hospital between January 2022 and December 2022. Ethical clearance was obtained prior to data collection. A pre-designed proforma was employed to gather information from participants visiting the Out-patient Department (OPD). Data collection utilized a non-probability sampling technique, and subsequent analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. RESULTSThe study’s findings pertaining to knowledge levels, participants with no formal education constituted 24.03%, while 6.20% had completed high school and 3.87% held master’s degrees. Information on PCOS was relayed by sisters/cousins (13.17%) and mothers (20.25%), and 32.55% expressed hesitancy in seeking information due to shyness. Menstrual irregularities included polymenorrhagia (24%), oligomenorrhea (33%), amenorrhea (15%), and irregular periods (28%). Clinical deviations encompassed menstrual abnormalities (37%), abnormal male hair type distribution (12%), infertility (16%), mood disorder (7%), dyslipidemia (17%), and hypertension (11%). CONCLUSION The study underscores the need for well-structured educational initiatives to enhance comprehensive awareness of PCOS symptoms, facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately improve overall well-being.