Evaluation of women knowledge and perception about polycystic ovary syndrome and its management in Jordan: A survey-based study.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and endocrine disorder in females in their reproductive-age and is associated with clinical complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perception of women in Jordan about PCOS, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. A descriptive, cross-sectional study that was designed in order to assess female knowledge, and perceptions about PCOS in Jordan. The study was carried out through a validated questionnaire and 227 was the number of recruited female participants. The result showed that the participants had inadequate knowledge about PCOS. The major sources of information were physician and family (n=77, 34%), 205 participants were aware that irregular or absence of menstrual cycle is a symptom of PCOS (90.3%). More than half of participants (55.9%) believe that PCOS patients have low body image. The educational level and marital status factors were significantly associated with participants' knowledge about PCOS (P-value=.008 and .004, respectively). The result of this study concluded that women have insufficient knowledge about PCOS and its complication. There is a need to enhance the knowledge and perception in female population in Jordan by developing education using different sources.