Knowledge, Aptitude, and Practice Study Regarding Modifiable Factors Among Females Diagnosed With PCOS

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a lifelong endocrine disorder affecting reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health. Despite its prevalence, especially in South Asian populations, awareness of lifestyle modifications for managing PCOS remains inadequate.Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding modifiable factors such as exercise among women diagnosed with PCOS in Pakistan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months at the Divisional Head Quarter Hospital in Gujranwala, Pakistan, involving 255 women aged 18-45 years diagnosed with PCOS. Data were collected using a self-designed Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were used for analysis.Results: The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 18.16 (SD = 3.56), 8.45 (SD = 2.66), and 6.57 (SD = 1.74), respectively. 44.31% of participants had poor practice habits, and only 2.7% had been referred to physiotherapists. Emotional distress was common, with 35.3% reporting anxiety.Conclusion: Despite moderate knowledge and favorable attitudes, the adoption of lifestyle modifications for PCOS management is low. A multidisciplinary approach integrating physiotherapy and psychological support is needed to improve health outcomes for women with PCOS.