PREVALENCE, SYMPTOMATOLOGY, AND PERCEPTION OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHENAB, GUJRAT

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterised by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology, and is associated with substantial metabolic, reproductive, and psychological morbidity. Despite its high prevalence, awareness of PCOS and its associated risk factors remains limited, particularly among young women in developing countries such as Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, symptom burden, perceived causes, and health-seeking behaviour related to PCOS among students at the University of Chenab, Gujrat, and to evaluate the psychological and lifestyle factors associated with the condition. A cross-sectional, perception-based survey was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising closed- and open-ended items covering demographic characteristics, awareness, menstrual and dermatological symptoms, metabolic and reproductive complaints, dietary habits, perceived causes, psychological impact, and healthcare-seeking and treatment practices. Data were collected from a simple random sample of 100 students drawn from various departments of the Gujrat campus of the University of Chenab and were analysed using descriptive statistics along with multivariate analysis of variance and correlation tests. The results indicated a moderate level of awareness of PCOS, with a substantial proportion of respondents reporting menstrual irregularities, dermatological symptoms, weight-related concerns, and psychological distress such as stress and depression. Hormonal imbalance and poor dietary habits were the most commonly perceived causes, while healthcare-seeking and treatment uptake remained comparatively low. These findings highlight persistent gaps between symptom experience and clinical management and underscore the need for targeted awareness campaigns, early screening, and accessible reproductive health education among university-going women.