Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Adolescent Girls and Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study.

M Bhagyasri; Kapilavai Uma  Devi; Chalumuri  Devani

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2225

Authors

M Bhagyasri Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Kapilavai Uma Devi Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Chalumuri Devani Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2225

Keywords:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), prevalence, awareness, young women, lifestyle disorder, diagnosis

Abstract

Background:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting adolescent girls and young women, with significant reproductive and long-term health consequences. Early diagnosis and awareness are crucial for effective management and prevention of complications.

Methods:

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (January–June 2024) among 300 females aged 13–30 years attending a tertiary care hospital in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, lifestyle factors, and knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to PCOS were collected using a pre-validated questionnaire. Diagnosis was based on the Rotterdam criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 23.5 years, with the majority belonging to the 21–25-year age group. PCOS was diagnosed in 76.7% of participants. Awareness regarding PCOS was high, with 89.7% recognizing it as a common disorder. Positive attitudes were observed, as 79.2% believed that PCOS is increasing rapidly, and 71.0% agreed that early diagnosis and lifestyle modification can improve outcomes. However, preventive practices were inconsistent, with 28.8% reporting no regular physical activity and a substantial proportion exhibiting sedentary behaviour. Lifestyle factors were identified as the most common perceived cause of PCOS by 52.6% of participants.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates a high prevalence of PCOS among adolescent girls and young women with good awareness and positive attitudes toward early diagnosis and lifestyle modification. However, gaps in preventive practices highlight the need for structured educational and lifestyle-based intervention programs.

Recommendation:

Structured awareness programs focusing on early screening, lifestyle modification, and adolescent counselling should be implemented at institutional and community levels to reduce long-term complications of PCOS.

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