POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME AN EMERGING HEALTH ISSUE IN RELATION TO PREVAILING ENVIRONMENT –A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an emerging endocrinal disorder that affects the reproductive health of human females. PCOs is considered as a multifactorial disorder caused by both genetic and environmental factors. This study aimed to assess the role of environmental conditions such as; eating and behavioural patterns in the development of PCOS patients in Lahore District, Pakistan. This knowledge, attitude and practices study was based on questionnaire design to get information about PCOS from patients (n = 56), general physician (n = 25) and doctors (n = 100). Respondents of the survey, grouped into five classes and maximum patients belonged to age class ranging from 15-24 years. About 75% respondents were belonging to urban areas and its environment. More than 60% patients were consuming meat, plastic packed and junk food consumed more than thrice a week. Among the awareness level of the public, 25% have knowledge about the PCOS, whereas, 75 did not know about this syndrome. Most of the people feel hesitation in sharing and discussing their PCOS problem and onset of behavioural changes. General physician experiences about the PCOS patients, less than 25% patients consult them when they suffer from the syndrome at an early stage. This syndrome has generally occurred in those individuals having abnormal eating habits, sedentary lifestyle and environmental factors. The present study highlighted that poor dietary consumptions, environmental conditions and lifestyle play an important role in the spreading of PCOS. In Pakistan, there is a lack of awareness about the PCOS despite of its high prevalence. There is a dire need to create awareness about this syndrome and explore the impacts of modern chemicals and their management.