Knowledge, perception, and management of polycystic ovary syndrome among women in Palestine: A mixed-method study.

Abstract

Background: Women's health is all about managing conditions unique to females, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here, a mixed-method approach was used to evaluate the knowledge of PCOS among Palestinian women and to elucidate gynecologists' perspectives on its diagnosis and management.

Objectives: The purpose of this mixed-method research was to assess knowledge of PCOS among Palestinian women and develop a greater understanding of gynecologists' experiences treating PCOS.

Design: A mixed-method study was used to evaluate the knowledge of PCOS among Palestinian women and to explore gynecologists' perspectives on its diagnosis and management.

Methods: The qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with six experienced gynecologists and was reported according to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data. A cross-sectional quantitative study was then introduced to validate the findings of the qualitative study. It utilized a validated questionnaire that was distributed to Palestinian women, with 584 respondents meeting the inclusion criteria.

Results: The qualitative interviews revealed some important themes related to gynecologists' experiences and perceptions of PCOS, particularly misconceptions and knowledge gaps among PCOS patients. The quantitative study indicated participants to have scant knowledge about PCOS, with an average of 9.6 correct answers out of 21 (45.7%). Participants' main source of knowledge was websites (n = 138, 27%). More than half of the participating women believed that PCOS patients require social support (57.3%). Education and career field were associated with degree of knowledge about PCOS (p-value = 0.000 for each). In addition, diabetes history and PCOS history showed significant relation to PCOS knowledge (respective p-values = 0.046, 0.002).

Conclusion: The results emphasize the importance of PCOS awareness among women and the difficulties gynecologists face during management of PCOS. There is a need to increase awareness of PCOS for women of all ages, standardize PCOS treatment among gynecologists, and encourage healthcare providers to educate women about PCOS.