Awareness of polycystic ovarian syndrome among young women in Western India

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition characterized by elevated androgen levels, menstrual irregularities, and/or small cysts on one or both ovaries. It is a common issue affecting more than 7% of adult women, causing many problems including but not limited to infertility, irregular menses, hirsutism, acne and alopecia. The primary cause of PCOS is still unknown but awareness and lifestyle modification is known to be an efficient therapy route to relieve symptoms of this syndrome. Objective of the study was to assess the knowledge about PCOS in young women in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.Methods: A cross sectional study was performed on 500 women of age group 18-30 years coming to outpatient departments of D. Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai. Written informed consent was obtained and simple random technique was applied for selection of study participants. Pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data collected was analyzed through percentages and frequencies using Excel. Relevant statistical test was applied was applied and p value was calculated wherever required and considered statistically significant when <0.05.Results: Among 500 participants, only 38% of the women were aware of the term PCOS. 26% of the subjects were aware about the organ system involved in this disease. Most of the people know about this disorder through friends or relatives. 17% of the women knew about the various symptoms associated with PCOS.Conclusions: The alarming results of present study show that very small number of young women understand what this disease is and thus when to consult a physician. This could be why PCOS is an underrepresented and underdiagnosed disease. This widely prevalent disease among young women should be talked about more and more young women must be educated on this to help prevent the sequelae of this syndrome on fertility and insulin resistance.

Health Awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Its Complications in Lebanon: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Also, almost 98% of women in the latter study, and 72% in a Saudi Arabian study, viewed exercise and dieting as a method to decrease symptoms in PCOS, whereas only 57% regarded so in our study. 20,21 Amongst other variables assessed in our study were the risk of developing various cancers and psychological disorders in PCOS patients. However, they were not assessed in other studies to be able to compare with.…”

Awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among College Going Females in Gurgaon: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai and concluded 38% females and Patel et al did a survey in Indore city and reported 41% females heard about the disease. 11 12 Another study carried in gynecology outpatient department at a tertiary care hospital by Kaundal revealed 43.4% females heard about PCOS. 13 Salama and Elbana at Nursing Institute of Benha Teaching Hospital and Nursing Institute of Health Insurance Hospital, Egypt revealed that most of the adolescents had inadequate knowledge and only 6.3% of studied population had adequate knowledge.…”

“…Awareness of treatment options for PCOS 38% females and Patel et al did a survey in Indore city and reported 41% females heard about the disease 11,12. …”

Lebanese Women's Awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Its Complications: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In their study, educational level and marital status factors were also significantly associated with participants' knowledge of PCOS. 15 When assessing the complications of PCOS, only 19.5% of our population thought it led to an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, as compared with an American study where approximately 70% of the population thought it did. Also, almost 98% of women in the latter study, and 72% in a Saudi Arabian study viewed exercise and dieting as a method to decrease symptoms of PCOS.…”

“…In their study, educational level and marital status factors were also significantly associated with participants' knowledge of PCOS. 15…”