Abstract :
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common heterogeneous, endocrine
and metabolic disorders in women and studies have shown that 10% of the women are affected by PCOS
in India. This study aims at assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise as a treatment option in
young females diagnosed with PCOS.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 100 participants diagnosed with PCOS and
were asked to fill a self-made questionnaire that was face validated.
Results: 93% of the respondents are aware of PCOS being one of the most common lifestyle disorders.
22.5% were aware of obesity being a complication of PCOS and only 23.1% were aware of weight
reduction as a benefit of exercise. 5.4% consulted a Physiotherapist to treat the condition. 70% reported
that health care professionals were their main source of information about PCOS. 74% strongly agreed to
the importance of treating PCOS to prevent its future complications and 66% agreed to take some time
out of their daily schedule to indulge in an exercise program. 84% were aware that exercise is a treatment
option in the management of PCOS but only 67% practiced exercise regularly. 34.8% of the population
chose a lack of time as the main reason for not exercising regularly.
Conclusion: Efforts need to intensify in creating awareness about the complications of PCOS and therefore
the importance of exercise as the first line of treatment option to cure the condition along with a healthy
diet. A multidisciplinary approach in tackling PCOS has to be emphasized.
Keyword :
Polycystic ovary disease, Awareness, Exercise, Physiotherapy.