Assessment of Knowledge and Prevalence of Risk Factors of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among Undergraduate Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The study aims to assess the knowledge & prevalence of risk factors of polycystic ovarian syndrome among undergraduate women. Methods: This is a 6-month community program-based cross-sectional prospective study carried out in 4 selected degree colleges of Kalaburagi. The students were enrolled in the study considering the study criteria and required data were collected. The knowledge of the participant was assessed by using PCOS knowledge assessment questionnaires. Results: A total of 275 female participants of age 18-25 from 4 selected degree colleges of different quadrants of Kalaburagi were enrolled. The percentage of knowledge score in the pre-test was 42.16% and in the post-test was 80.76%. Self-assessment for risk factors of PCOS reveals that the highest 171 subjects (62.2%) were unpredictable to PCOS whereas 11 (4.0%) were at high risk of getting PCOS. The study reveals that there was a statistically very highly significant difference in mean knowledge score in faculty of study and diet (P<0.001). Conclusions: The study concluded that participants had poor knowledge regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is important to educate adolescent girls and young adults regarding PCOS and to be encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle