Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Regarding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Associated Factors among Female Students at Ibb University in Yemen

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting approximately 26.7% of female university students in Yemen. However, empirical data on cognitive and behavioral dimensions of PCOS literacy in this demographic remain scarce. Objective This study aimed to assess PCOS-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and their associated factors among female students at Ibb University, Yemen. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 386 female students using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered electronic questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results Overall knowledge was moderate (mean = 9.61 ± 4.66, median = 10.00, IQR = 7.00–13.00; 60.1% correct); attitudes were favorable (mean = 5.42 ± 1.21, median = 6.00, IQR = 5.00–6.00; 77.5% agreement); practices were suboptimal (mean = 2.28 ± 1.45, median = 3.00, IQR = 1.00–4.00; 57.1% endorsed). Knowledge correlated moderately with attitudes (ρ = 0.414, p < 0.001) and practices (ρ = 0.368, p < 0.001); the attitude–practice correlation was weak (ρ = 0.128, p = 0.012). Urban residence (AOR = 3.36, p = 0.004) and higher income significantly predicted adequate knowledge, whereas Arts (AOR = 0.03, p = 0.001) and Engineering (AOR = 0.10, p = 0.004) enrollment predicted lower odds. Menstrual irregularity (AOR = 2.85, p = 0.002) and hirsutism (AOR = 3.12, p < 0.001) independently predicted better practices, while medical students paradoxically exhibited poorer practices (AOR = 0.26, p = 0.001). Conclusion Despite favorable attitudes and moderate knowledge, health-seeking and preventive practices remain insufficient. Targeted educational interventions addressing metabolic risks and bridging the attitude–practice gap is urgently required.