Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD), a prevalent endocrine disorder, affects a significant proportion of women worldwide, particularly those in their reproductive years. Characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and the presence of multiple ovarian cysts, PCOD is closely associated with metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance and obesity. Beyond its physical manifestations, PCOD poses substantial challenges to women's mental and emotional well-being, often leading to anxiety and depression. Early diagnosis and effective management are critical to mitigating its long-term consequences, such as infertility, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular complications [1-5].

Despite the high prevalence of PCOD, public awareness and understanding of the condition remain inadequate, especially in semi-urban and urban populations like those in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Misinformation, cultural misconceptions, and a lack of accessible healthcare resources exacerbate the challenges faced by affected individuals. Women often delay seeking medical attention due to social stigma, limited knowledge of symptoms, and the normalization of menstrual irregularities within families [6-9].

Existing research highlights the pivotal role of community awareness in promoting early diagnosis and encouraging timely medical intervention for PCOD [7-11]. Educating the general public, including men and women, about PCOD’s symptoms, risk factors, and preventive strategies can empower individuals to make informed health decisions. However, limited data exist on public knowledge levels and attitudes toward PCOD in urbanizing regions like Gandhinagar, which is home to a diverse population with varying access to healthcare and education.

This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of PCOD among the general public in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. By identifying gaps in understanding, the research seeks to inform targeted health education initiatives, reduce stigma, and promote early medical intervention. Empowering the community with accurate knowledge about PCOD can lead to improved health outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and reduced healthcare disparities in this rapidly growing urban hub.

Research Approach

A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) among the general public of Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The study focused on understanding community perceptions, attitudes, and levels of awareness regarding PCOD and its associated health implications.

Study Area

The research was conducted in Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, which features a blend of urban and semi-urban populations with diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds. The city provides a representative sample of a growing urban population where access to healthcare and awareness levels vary significantly.

Study Duration

The study was conducted over a period of three months, from August to October 2024, ensuring sufficient time for comprehensive data collection and analysis.

Study Population

The target population included individuals aged 18 years and above residing in Gandhinagar for at least one year. The study encompassed both male and female participants to gauge the general public's understanding of PCOD and its implications.

Sample Size

A sample size of 400 participants was calculated using a 95% confidence level, an assumed 50% awareness level of PCOD, and a margin of error of 5%. An additional 5% was included to account for non-responses, ensuring a robust dataset.

Study Tool

A pre-validated structured questionnaire was used as the primary tool for data collection. The questionnaire was divided into two sections:

• Socio-Demographic Details: This section captured demographic data, including age, gender, education level, occupation, monthly household income, and access to healthcare services.

• Knowledge and Awareness Assessment: This section consisted of 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions aimed at evaluating:

• Awareness of PCOD symptoms (e.g., irregular periods, acne, weight gain)

• Knowledge of risk factors (e.g., obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition)

• Understanding of complications (e.g., infertility, diabetes, cardiovascular risks)

• Familiarity with preventive measures (e.g., diet, exercise, regular health check-ups)

Responses were scored based on the number of correct answers, and awareness levels were categorized as follows:

• Very Good: >80% correct responses

• Good: 60–79% correct responses

• Fair: 41–59% correct responses

• Poor: <40% correct responses

Data Collection

Data were collected through both online and in-person surveys to ensure diverse participation:

• In-person surveys: Conducted at community centers, healthcare facilities, and public spaces to include individuals with limited internet access

• Online surveys: Distributed via social media platforms, messaging apps, and email to reach tech-savvy respondents

Efforts were made to include participants from various socio-economic strata, ensuring representativeness.

Data Analysis

Data were compiled, cleaned, and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were calculated to evaluate knowledge levels and identify patterns in socio-demographic factors. Chi-square tests were employed to assess associations between socio-demographic variables and PCOD awareness levels.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional ethics committee. Informed consent was secured from all participants, who were informed of their right to withdraw at any time. Anonymity and confidentiality of data were strictly maintained throughout the study, adhering to ethical standards for research involving human subjects.

Table 1 highlights the socio-demographic characteristics of the 400 study participants from Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The gender distribution was slightly skewed towards females (56%), reflecting a balanced inclusion of perspectives. The majority of respondents (33%) were aged 26–35 years, followed by 36–45 years (29%), indicating a predominance of individuals in their prime reproductive and working years. Educational attainment revealed that 33% had completed an undergraduate degree, while 27% had secondary education, and 15% held postgraduate qualifications, reflecting a well-educated cohort. Occupational distribution showed that 35% were employed in private or government services, while 24% were engaged in agriculture or labor, and 21.5% were homemakers. Most participants were from rural areas (64%), and a significant portion (39%) had a monthly household income between 10,001–20,000 INR, indicating moderate socio-economic diversity. These demographics provide a comprehensive understanding of the study population's background, relevant for contextualizing their knowledge about PCOD.

Table 2 details the participants' awareness and understanding of PCOD through 20 structured questions. The majority (74%) correctly identified PCOD as an ovarian disorder, and 71% recognized irregular periods as a common symptom. Encouragingly, 81% were aware that PCOD could affect fertility, and 78.5% understood the importance   of   weight   management   in   its  prevention. While  77%  acknowledged  its  role  in  causing  hormonal imbalance, awareness of complications like diabetes was slightly lower (67%). 

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Variables of Study Participants

Knowledge of lifestyle modification and physical activity in managing PCOD was moderate, with 72.5% and 73.5% responses, respectively. Participants demonstrated strong agreement (78%) on the importance of regular check-ups, while awareness of hereditary factors and diagnostic blood tests were comparatively lower at 65% and 63%, respectively. These findings indicate a foundational understanding of PCOD among participants, albeit with gaps in technical knowledge that necessitate targeted educational initiatives.

Table 3 classifies participants' knowledge levels into four categories. Approximately 30% of respondents demonstrated very good knowledge (scores of 16–20), reflecting a comprehensive understanding of PCOD and its management. Another 35% fell into the good category (scores of 12–15), indicating a solid but incomplete grasp of key concepts. However, 26% were classified as fair (scores of 8–11), and 9% exhibited poor knowledge with scores below 8, revealing significant gaps in awareness and understanding. These results underscore the need for community-based educational programs to improve knowledge and promote proactive management of PCOD, particularly among those with fair or poor understanding. The findings highlight opportunities for tailored interventions to bridge knowledge disparities within this population.

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of public knowledge and awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD) among the general population of Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The findings reveal both encouraging trends and significant gaps in understanding, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted educational interventions to improve awareness and proactive management of PCOD in the community.

The socio-demographic profile of participants sheds light on the context within which PCOD knowledge exists. A majority of respondents were women of reproductive age, particularly in the 26–35 years age group, which aligns with the demographic most affected by PCOD. This ensures that the findings are both relevant and actionable. However, the predominance of rural participants (64%) highlights the unique challenges faced in these areas, including limited healthcare access and cultural barriers to discussing reproductive health issues. Despite the moderate level of education among participants—33% having undergraduate degrees—knowledge about PCOD remains inconsistent, suggesting that awareness is not solely tied to formal education but also to the availability and quality of health information.

Participants exhibited a foundational understanding of PCOD, with the majority correctly identifying it as an ovarian disorder and recognizing common symptoms such as irregular periods and weight gain. Awareness of the link between PCOD and infertility (81%) and the role of  lifestyle  modifications  in  its  management  (73%) was commendable, reflecting growing public recognition of the condition. 

Table 2: Knowledge and Awareness Assessment of PCOD

Table 3: Knowledge Score Classification

However, significant gaps were observed in technical knowledge. Awareness of diagnostic tools, such as blood tests (63%), and the hereditary nature of PCOD (65%) was notably lower. Moreover, fewer participants understood its potential to lead to chronic complications, such as diabetes (67%). These gaps could hinder early detection and effective management, particularly among rural and economically disadvantaged populations.

The knowledge classification underscores the disparities in understanding PCOD. While 30% of participants demonstrated very good knowledge, a substantial proportion (35%) fell into the good category, with 26% and 9% categorized as fair and poor, respectively. These findings suggest that while a subset of the population possesses a strong understanding of PCOD, a significant number remain under-informed. This disparity highlights the need for tailored interventions to target individuals with limited knowledge, particularly in rural areas where socio-cultural barriers may further inhibit open discussions about reproductive health.

Several barriers to awareness and proactive management of PCOD were evident in the study. Cultural stigmas associated with discussing reproductive health, combined with the lack of structured educational campaigns, contribute to the persistence of knowledge gaps. Socio-economic disparities further exacerbate these challenges, as financial constraints limit access to diagnostic tools and regular healthcare visits. Additionally, the rural-urban divide in healthcare accessibility plays a crucial role, with rural residents often lacking the resources and awareness necessary to address PCOD effectively.

Public Health Implications

The findings highlight critical areas for intervention to improve PCOD awareness and management. Community-based health education programs, particularly in rural areas, can address the identified gaps by providing clear, actionable information about PCOD symptoms, risk factors, and management strategies. Involving local healthcare providers and leveraging culturally appropriate communication tools can enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives. Moreover, integrating PCOD education into existing maternal and reproductive health programs can ensure a wider reach and sustained impact. Encouraging regular health check-ups and promoting the role of lifestyle modifications in managing PCOD can also play a transformative role in reducing the burden of this condition [6,8,10,11].

Limitations and Future Directions

While the study provides valuable insights, certain limitations should be acknowledged. The reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias, as participants might overestimate their knowledge. Additionally, the exclusion of individuals without access to surveys may limit the representativeness of the findings, particularly for marginalized groups. Future studies should consider incorporating qualitative methods, such as focus group discussions, to gain deeper insights into cultural and societal barriers to PCOD awareness. Longitudinal research assessing the impact of educational interventions on PCOD knowledge and management outcomes would also provide valuable evidence for scaling such programs.

This study underscores the need for enhanced public awareness and education about PCOD in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. While there is a foundational understanding among certain segments of the population, significant knowledge gaps persist, particularly in rural areas and among economically disadvantaged groups. Addressing these gaps through targeted, community-centered interventions can empower individuals, promote early detection and management, and ultimately improve reproductive health outcomes in the region.

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