Polycystic ovary syndrome: An exploration of unmarried women's knowledge and attitudes

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and a chief cause of subfertility attributed to ovulation. Besides, lack of knowledge about PCOS, its treatment, and lifestyle changes influence the prognosis. The present qualitative inquiry investigates the knowledge and attitudes of unmarried women towards the syndrome, associated treatment, and necessary lifestyle changes in the fight against the same. A total of 15 participants with PCOS were selected using purposive sampling (n from southern parts of India viz. Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. The telephonic interviews were conducted in late November and early December 2020. He conventional content analysis emerged with six major themes. The themes capsulated women's knowledge, causes, complications and risk factors, treatment of PCOS their perceived importance of health promotive behaviours such as physical activity, sleep patterns, and perceived support from society. The importance of diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle were additional relevant factors stressed by the respondents. Although the medicines helped participants attain regular menstrual cycles, they also had side effects reported in the discussion. Few respondents reported that they lacked the necessary awareness of PCOS when diagnosed at a younger age. The study enhances the understanding of PCOS from a qualitative approach that has cultural relevance apart from pertinent clinical and lifestyle implications. � 2022 The Author(s)