Prevalence and Knowledge of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Among Female Science Students of Different Public Universities of Quetta, Pakistan

Background : Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common reproductive age endocrine disorder in women. Women with PCOS experience issues getting to be pregnant (i.e., are infertile) and may have large amounts of androgen hormones. The prevalence of PCOS is increasing rapidly worldwide but the females don’t have adequate knowledge about this syndrome. Objective : The aim of the study and collecting data is to determine and interpret the prevalence of symptoms of PCOS in female students that what percentage of female students are suffering from menstrual irregularities, obesity, hirsutism, alopecia and severe acne problem and to check the percentage of female students which are aware of this syndrome. Methodology : A mixed methodology approach was conducted in different public universities of Quetta, which focuses on questionnaire based on assessment as well as providing education. The data from 451 female students of age range b/w 18-26 years was collected by using stratified convenient sampling technique from January to September 2016. Results : The finding of study revealed that 374 (72.5%) respondents were not aware of PCOS and get knowledge thorough brochure. While 407(90.2%) subjects were having adequate knowledge about PCOS after educational intervention. It was obtained in the study that 79 (17.5%) participants were suspected with PCOS and 16 (3.5%) were diagnosed with PCOS on the basis of sign and symptoms and 25 (5.5%) were already diagnosed with PCOS. It was also obtained that 35(7.8%) participants were overweight and 13(2.9%) respondents were obese. Conclusion : According to the finding of study prevalence of signs and symptoms of PCOS are increasing but females are not aware of PCOS although its signs and symptoms were present in many of them. Furthermore, study indicates that majority of females don’t consult gynecologist unless there is severe or life threatening problem or disease.