Prevalence, Awareness And Predisposing Factors For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Among Young Women In Selected PHC.

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Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. It can cause irregular periods, excess androgen, and ovarian cysts. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence, awareness and predisposing factors for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) among young women in selected PHC. Methods: A quantitative approach and cross section study design was adopted for the study. The study included 300 young women with the age group of 18-30 years who are attending selected PHC, Salem. Convenient sampling technique was used for the study to select the samples. Data on menstrual cycle regularity, body hair growth, demographics, awareness, and predisposing factors for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome were collected using a standard questionnaire and non-invasive sonographic scanning identified polycystic ovaries. Results: The prevalence of PCOS among young women was 20.67%, 39% of young women were aware of PCOS, 61 % were not aware about the PCOS. Among young women the age groups, 61.3% of women aged between 18-25 years and 38.7% of them aged between 26-30 years. In terms of Body Mass Index (BMI), 12.9% classified as underweight, 29% with a normal BMI, and 50% was classified as overweight. Activity levels also seem to influence PCOS, with 19.4% of individuals engaging in regular physical activity and 80.6% reporting no physical activity. Moreover, family history appears to play a role, as 83.9% of individuals with a family history of PCOS and 16.1% without such a history. Conclusion: PCOS is a common problem among young women after puberty. Many young women were unaware of the disease's symptoms and management, which may have skewed the observed disease burden away from its true prevalence.