Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome Among Women with PMOS in Jiangsu Province, China: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS; formerly polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]) among patients in Jiangsu Province, China, and explore factors associated with health-related practices. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 422 patients with PMOS recruited from a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu, China, between July 2023 and December 2024. Sociodemographic, clinical, biochemical, and KAP data were collected. Correlation analysis, univariable and multivariable logistic regression, and observed-score path analysis were performed. Results: The median knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 12/20 (IQR 9– 14), 142/190 (IQR 126– 159), and 20/40 (IQR 14– 25), respectively. Overall, 38.63% of participants had poor knowledge, 64.22% had positive attitudes, and 54.98% had poor practices. In multivariable analysis, higher attitude scores (aOR per 10 points=2.241, 95% CI 1.762– 2.852) and receipt of both dietary and exercise guidance vs no guidance (aOR=3.681, 95% CI 1.678– 8.075) were associated with higher odds of good practice, whereas higher body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were inversely associated with good practice. Path analysis showed positive knowledge-to-attitude and attitude-to-practice associations, with a significant positive indirect association between knowledge and practice through attitude. Conclusions: Patients with PMOS demonstrated generally positive attitudes but insufficient knowledge and health-related practices. These findings identify health-related beliefs, self-efficacy, and practical lifestyle guidance as potential targets for future intervention studies. Keywords: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, knowledge, attitudes, and practices, self-management, cross-sectional study