Awareness of Lifestyle Modifications in the Management of PCOS: A Population-Based Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) is a rapidly emerging endocrine disorder affecting women of all ages. Simple lifestyle modifications can help women to combat the disorder.Objective: To assess the knowledge among reproductive women regarding the risk factors, symptoms, complications, and management of PCOS and their source of knowledge to develop an educational tool to be used at the community level.Results: A total of 334 women participated. The mean age was 28.70±6.29 years. Around 9.3% of the participants were already diagnosed with PCOS. Around 43.4% of women have heard about PCOS. The Source of their information was a doctor (26.6%), internet (6.28%), teachers (5.6%), and friends (4.7%). Knowledge regarding risk factors revealed that obesity (33.5%), unhealthy dietary habits (35%), and genetic predisposition (40.7%) were thought as risk factors. Regarding complications participants were aware that PCOS is associated with increased risk of subfertility (40.1%), abortions (34.4%), diabetes (28.7% ), hypertension (31.7%),cardiovascular disease (33.5%), endometrial carcinoma (35.9%) and psychological (37.1% ) . Total 37.1% were aware that eating healthy and 41% knew that weight reduction can help in the management of PCOS. Around 60.5% of women showed poor knowledge, 14.7% fair knowledge, and 24.9% good knowledge regarding PCOS. Education and occupation status was significantly related to the knowledge score (P≤0.001) about the PCOS. Conclusion: To reduce the burden of PCOS behavioral changes in terms of regular exercise, healthy dietary habits and stress management techniques need to be incorporated from very early life.