Knowledge and Management Practices About Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Among Health Care Providers in Mumbai, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis is very complex and due to overlapping presentation of symptoms, women with PCOS may approach various practitioners, who might be using varied definitions to diagnose and manage PCOS.Objectives: To assess knowledge about PCOS diagnosis and management by Dermatologists, Gynecologists, Endocrinologists and Family Physicians (FPs).Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 529 health care providers (HCPs) practicing in Mumbai metropolitan region using a convenient sample. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was filled by the HCPs after obtaining informed consent. Pearson’s Chi-square test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to study the differences within each group.Results: All HCPs reported that women with PCOS consulted them with a varied spectrum of symptoms. Among FPs, Allopaths had better knowledge about diagnosis and Homeopaths were more confident about PCOS management. Among Specialists, Endocrinologists were more stringent in diagnosing cases as per defined criteria, along with screening and comprehensive management of the metabolic syndrome. Although the need for multidisciplinary management was perceived, in practice holistic management was not common.Conclusions: This study reveals the need for training and disseminating algorithms for comprehensive PCOS management across disciplines. It highlights women’s preferences in seeking health care for symptom complex of PCOS. These findings would help health policymakers to develop community-based awareness modules and India-specific management guidelines for early screening and a continuum of care for PCOS patients.Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this manuscript.Source of Support: This study was conducted as an Intramural project of ICMR-NIRRH and hence there was no sourced funding agency and no financial conflicts.