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

• Main Author: Nargis Kamal (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Gandhara University, 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.37762/jgmds.10-4.445; 2312-9433; 2618-1452
• Keywords: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; Adolescent Females; Unmarried Women; Health; Dentistry; RK1-715; Medicine (General); R5-920
• Source: Journal of Gandhara Medical and Dental Sciences, Vol 10, Iss 4 (2023)

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. RESULTS The 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.