Knowledge of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Associated Symptoms Among Women of Reproductive Age Across Selected Healthcare Facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria
Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
Background Despite the increase in the global prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its associated health risks, limited awareness and knowledge persist, resulting in delayed diagnosis and management of the condition. Objectives The study was designed to assess the knowledge of PCOS and its associated self-reported symptoms among women of reproductive age in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods The study was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted among 321 women aged 18-45 at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. Participants were recruited from the obstetrics and gynecology clinics, excluding pregnant women and those previously diagnosed with PCOS. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of PCOS, and clinical symptoms were collected using an adapted self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge of PCOS was measured using 10-item questions. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for categorical variables. The significance level was set at p-values less than 0.05. Results The mean BMI of women was 25.72 ± 4.80, with more than half (166; 51.7%) being either overweight or obese. The major self-reported clinical symptoms of PCOS include acne (129, 40.2%), subfertility (149, 46.4%), and irregular menstrual cycles (88, 27.4%). Less than half (130; 40.5%) of the respondents were aware of PCOS, and less than one-third (83; 25.9%) had adequate knowledge of the condition. Responden
Abstract
Background Despite the increase in the global prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its associated health risks, limited awareness and knowledge persist, resulting in delayed diagnosis and management of the condition. Objectives The study was designed to assess the knowledge of PCOS and its associated self-reported symptoms among women of reproductive age in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods The study was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted among 321 women aged 18-45 at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. Participants were recruited from the obstetrics and gynecology clinics, excluding pregnant women and those previously diagnosed with PCOS. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of PCOS, and clinical symptoms were collected using an adapted self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge of PCOS was measured using 10-item questions. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for categorical variables. The significance level was set at p-values less than 0.05. Results The mean BMI of women was 25.72 ± 4.80, with more than half (166; 51.7%) being either overweight or obese. The major self-reported clinical symptoms of PCOS include acne (129, 40.2%), subfertility (149, 46.4%), and irregular menstrual cycles (88, 27.4%). Less than half (130; 40.5%) of the respondents were aware of PCOS, and less than one-third (83; 25.9%) had adequate knowledge of the condition. Respondents’ occupation (p = 0.0001), level of education (p = 0.0001), religion (p = 0.003), and parity (p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with knowledge of PCOS. Conclusion This study's findings highlight the need to strengthen health education efforts aimed at improving the awareness and understanding of PCOS among women.