Patients’ perception about polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in Sub-Himalayan region of India-A facility-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn modern times, metabolic disorders are most common and one of them is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women, which causes high morbidity and complications. PCOS has largely been a neglected and less researched area; however, it is gaining importance in recent times as PCOS is increasing as well as it can be prevented to a considerable extent.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge among females in government hospitals in Northern India. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire on 300 women (completed 270), selected by proportionate sampling technique, and admitted in government hospitals. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23.ResultsThe results showed that the mean age of respondents was 33.02 ± 9.039 years, the mean age at menarche was 12.33 ± 2.13 years, and the mean of gravida status was 1.82 ± 0.78 years. Only half of the respondents had good knowledge about PCOS.ConclusionThis study suggests that efforts are needed to reinforce women's knowledge through setting-based awareness campaigns and health education in this context to enable them to identify and seek timely treatment and improve their quality of life.