LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME IN NON-MEDICAL FEMALE STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrine abnormality in which multiple cysts are formed which causes hormonal imbalance in the body. PCOs may cause insulin resistance in which insulin hormone is not taken up by cells causing excess glucose which increases androgen level leading to an ovulation. Objective: To determine the level of awareness of PCOs in non-medical female students. Material and Method: Cross-sectional study was carried out. 217 non-medical female students from University of Lahore were recruited. Awareness about PCOs was observed by using a self-made validated questionnaire used in a previous research. Frequency tables were used to access level of knowledge. Results: Out of 217 non-medical female students the mean age was 21.88 and 62.7% responders heard about PCOs while53.9% never heard about androgen hormone. 64.5% responders were not sure whether PCOs alter ovaries shape or not. To record relation of PCOs with malignancy and psychological disturbance, 57.6% and 49.3% were unaware respectively. 46.1% assumed PCOs as a cause of obesity and 50.7% believed that acne and hirsutism is caused due to PCOs. Conclusion: Most of the students heard about PCOs but more than half were not aware about change in shape of ovaries and its relation with cancer and psychological disturbance. Most of them believed that it is caused by obesity, causes acne and abnormal hair growth and reduce fertility. Awareness programs can help increase knowledge about PCOs and its symptoms as well as its prevention and treatment.