Knowledge about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Effect of Lifestyle Habits among Medical Students of North India

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous, chronic endocrine disorder
commonly diagnosed in women of reproductive age and the most common cause of hyperandrogenism
and hirsutism.
Objective: To assess the knowledge about PCOS among medical students and to assess the awareness
about effects of lifestyle habits on PCOS.
Material & Method: This cross sectional study was done among100 undergraduate medical students
of a private medical college of Western UP using a pre designed semi-structured questionnaire.
Results: Majority (84%) of students were already aware about PCOS. Significant association was
found between the awareness about PCOS with gender of study population. Majority (80%) of students
were already aware about the lifestyle changes. There was significant association between knowledge
about lifestyle modifications in PCOS with the knowledge about etiology of PCOS.
Conclusion: it is a growing endocrinological problem in the females of the reproductive age group.
Early screening is necessary to prevent lifelong complications.