Abstract

KNOWLEGDE AND AWARENESS ON POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME AMONG FEMALE POPULATION

Likhitha Prakash*, Satish S. and A. R. Shabaraya

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorder amongst reproductive age women, with features that suggest varying combinations of reproductive functional deficits (such as ovulatory dysfunction) and androgen excess (such as acne and hirsutism). Women with PCOS have difficulty becoming pregnant (i.e., are infertile) due to hormone imbalances that causes or result from altered development of ovarian follicles. One such imbalance is high blood levels androgens, which come from both the ovaries and adrenal gland. Women with PCOS are at risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, infertility, heart disease. The study was conducted to assess the awareness on polycystic ovary syndrome among female population. A questionnaire based online survey was conducted and was shared through social media and the results were analyzed. The data was collected from 143 women. The study results suggest that majority of the study participants are unaware regarding PCOS, its causes, symptoms, and complications. The present study showed that only 8.96% had good knowledge, where as 33.37% had average knowledge and 45.66% had poor knowledge on PCOS so awareness in this regard is appreciable which can helps the public understand that symptoms like irregular periods and pelvic pain are not something to be ignored and getting it checked is necessary. Some of the supportive measures like educational materials, patient forums and workshops, internet-based information and awareness programme regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome to female population, especially the adolescent girls to recognize the early sign of PCOS and help in early diagnosis.

Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Knowledge, Awareness.