A Cross-sectional Survey of Reproductive Health Knowledge, Lifestyle Choices, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Among Female Medical Students of Punjab, Pakistan

Objective: This research is aimed at addressing the gap in research on the topic of polycystic ovary syndrome among medical students, to assess the level of knowledge of university students regarding polycystic ovary syndrome. Moreover, it also identified the lifestyle choices that are prevalent among female medical students. The study also assessed the awareness regarding PCOS among university students. Study Design: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted after generating a questionnaire. The study was conducted among female medical students, from 1st to final year MBBS at various medical universities in Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 395 girls participated in this research from different known medical colleges in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using latest version of SPSS and results were generated. Results: 50.6% of them didn’t do any exercise. Almost 94% knew that regular and periodic ovulation will help them in preventing infertility and that regular menstruation will decrease their chances of having endometrial cancers. Regarding knowledge and awareness of PCOS, 96.2% of them had heard about PCOS and 10.6% were already diagnosed cases and 33.7% had PCOS in their close relatives or family. Our data showed that due to religious and cultural norms, smoking and alcohol consumption is minimal in Muslim students. The prevalence of PCOS in female medical students in Pakistan falls within the range of global prevalence. Conclusion: Medical students, and the general masses should be aware of the lifestyle modifications needed to counter this issue. Campaigns should be carried out to spread the word to the general masses.