Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(pcos), Awareness Among Female Students, Qassim University, Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels and it is said to be the most common female syndrome. Affects between 4-8% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with reproductive, metabolic and psychological dysfunction.
 Methods: A Quantitative observational cross-sectional study, we recruited 350 students of Qassim University selected using random sampling according to the inclusive criteria (age between 18-25 years). An online questionnaire designed in Arabic to facilitate the data collection, and university students, participated voluntarily. Statistical data entry and analysis of results was performed using Microsoft Excel.
 Results: Our sample size was 350 Qassim University students whose ages were between 18-25 years. 71% (n=248) Students heard about the PCOS, 49% of them heard about the symptoms from other people (mother, sister, cousin, etc.). The presence of the symptoms of PCOS among these students was as, the most common symptoms were Hair loss 74%, Mood swing 67%, Acne 61%, and the least common symptom was Voice change 8%. The prevalence of the syndrome among the university students was found to be 12% of these 350 students suffer from PCOS (diagnosed).
 Conclusion: 71% of studens were aware about the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 12% of students suffered from PCOS. Most common symptoms reported was Irregular menstrual cycle, 87%, and the least common symptom was Voice change 13%. 62 % of the students who suffered from PCOS were taking treatments based on hormonal therapy and surgical intervention. Attitude and Practices showed misconceptions about PCOS, and a need for awareness.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness among Females in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…This finding was in line with similar studies in the region. [27,29,30,32] Of all PCOS aspects assessed in this study (Table 3), signs and symptoms had the highest percentage of awareness (44.22%). On the other hand, complications had the least (19.06%), a finding that was similarly reported in other studies.…”

“…[26] There are only a few available studies evaluating PCOS awareness in the MENA region, either as a primary or a secondary objective. [27][28][29][30][31] Overall, awareness was found to be significantly low. [27,29,30,32] Of interest, most studies showed that females were least aware of PCOS complications.…”

“…[27][28][29][30][31] Overall, awareness was found to be significantly low. [27,29,30,32] Of interest, most studies showed that females were least aware of PCOS complications. This raises concerns as fear of irreversible complications could be the main drive for patients to seek early medical help.…”

Polycystic ovarian syndrome awareness among females in the UAE: a cross-sectional study

“…There are only a few available studies evaluating PCOS awareness in the MENA region, either as a primary or a secondary objective [ 27 – 31 ]. Overall, awareness was found to be significantly low [ 27 , 29 , 30 , 32 ]. Of interest, most studies showed that females were least aware of PCOS complications.…”

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness among Females in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…[32] Moreover, studies that measured PCOS awareness levels in the region found them to be signi cantly low among females. [29,[32][33][34][35] Of interest, most studies showed that females were least aware of PCOS complications. This raises concerns as fear of irreversible complications could be the main drive for patients to seek early medical help.…”