Perception of polycystic ovary syndrome in relation to fertility among women of reproductive age in Ekiti State, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with infertility, metabolic disorders, and adverse psychosocial outcomes. Despite its health implications, awareness and perception of PCOS remain inadequate in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge, perception, sources of information, and socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge and perception of PCOS among women of reproductive age in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Methods: This community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 388 women aged 18-49 years using a multistage sampling technique from selected communities in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perception, and health-seeking behaviour related to PCOS. Knowledge was assessed using 15 items, while perception was evaluated using 10 Likert-scale statements. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondents' characteristics, knowledge, perception, and sources of information. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and perception levels were determined using Pearson's chi-square test at a significance level of p<0.05.

Results: The respondents had a mean knowledge score of 9.50±4.33, with 44.1% demonstrating high knowledge, 26.5% moderate knowledge, and 29.4% low knowledge of PCOS. The overall mean perception score was 37.56±6.04, indicating a moderate perception, with 44.1%, 48.5%, and 7.5% of respondents exhibiting positive, moderate, and negative perceptions, respectively. Respondents demonstrated good knowledge of the symptoms, fertility implications, and lifestyle management of PCOS but had limited knowledge of its long-term complications, particularly its association with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The Internet and social media (52.6%) constituted the major source of health information, followed by television/radio (16.8%) and healthcare workers (14.2%). Knowledge of PCOS was significantly associated with age, residence, marital status, educational level, occupation, monthly income, religion, parity, pregnancy history, and family history of PCOS (p<0.05). Similarly, perception of PCOS was significantly associated with age, residence, marital status, occupation, monthly income, religion, parity, pregnancy history, and family history of PCOS (p<0.05), whereas educational level showed no significant association with perception (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Women of reproductive age demonstrated moderate overall knowledge and perception of PCOS, with substantial gaps in understanding its long-term health consequences. Digital media emerged as the predominant source of health information, highlighting its potential as an effective platform for PCOS awareness campaigns.