Prevalence and knowledge of polycystic ovary syndrome in Central India: A questionnaire-based study.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Its prevalence varies with the type of diagnostic criteria used. PCOS is also associated with social stigma and lack of knowledge. Due to its heterogeneous presentation, symptoms and complications of PCOS may vary from person to person. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and knowledge regarding PCOS in young college-going girls in Central India. Materials and Methods: This is a questionnaire-based study. The study included 18 questions assessing knowledge and prevalence of PCOS. Results: We included 371 participants in the study with a mean age of 20.77 ± 2.11 years. The mean body mass index of all the participants was around 20.4 kg/m². The prevalence of PCOS as per the Rotterdam criteria was found to be 9.4% in our study. Conclusion: We investigated PCOS prevalence and knowledge among young girls in Central India. Most individuals in our survey understood that lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy sleep, and diet can help manage and prevent PCOS, but adherence is still low. Lifestyle has a major influence on PCOS's multifactorial pathogenesis. PCOS awareness needs to be raised through more programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]