Awareness, Prevalence, Attitudes, and Practice of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among University Students
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female disorder which affects approximately 4-8% of women of reproductive age. It is generally related to hormonal disturbance, emotional, metabolic, and reproductive dysfunction. The study was conducted among students in different departments of Government Collage University Faisalabad (GCUF). The data from 350 female students of age range between 18- 25 years were collected. The objective was to conclude and understand the prevalence of symptoms of PCOS in female students that what percentage of female students suffer from basic related symptoms and to check the percentage of females who are aware of this syndrome. The clinical criterion of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) for PCOS was used. A questionnaire was designed containing four parts to assess the awareness, prevalence, and attitude of the female student toward polycystic ovarian syndrome and its effect on their normal life. The obtained data were analyzed by following the appropriate statistical method. Results revealed that about 46% of the students knew regarding PCOS whereas 3% were suffering from PCOS. Most frequent symptoms reported were frequent lower back pain, 60%, similarly, about 3 percent of students were suffering from the alteration of voice. Different thoughts exposed misinterpretations related to the polycystic ovarian syndrome. The findings further exposed that the incidence of features of the syndrome is rising day by day but students were not aware and conscious of PCOS even though the different features regarding this syndrome were present in many students. Moreover, it was observed that many women do not discuss with a gynecologist until there is a rigorous or difficult situation that occurred. The study concluded that there is a vital need for awareness programs and education related to PCOS and the issue must be discussed deliberately to prevent various misconceptions.
