A discussion of women's knowledge and perceptions of polycystic ovarian syndrome
Item
- Title
- A discussion of women's knowledge and perceptions of polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Author(s)
- Dhunnoo Asha
- Abstract
-
AbstractThis dissertation explores the subject of Polycsystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with regard to the level of understanding amongst women of this complex medical condition. The symptoms of PCOS are easily mistaken for other hormonal imbalances and this can lead to confusion for the patient. Furthermore, the array of potential symptoms displayed by a woman differ greatly between individuals and can vary greatly in severity. Medical practitioners are often confused as to the cause of the symptoms. Identifying the underlying cause of PCOS using ultrasonographs of the woman's ovaries or undertaking biochemical tests of a potential candidate is essential in the diagnosis of the syndrome.
Little previous research has been done to investigate the level of understanding women in British society have of PCOS. This therefore highlights the gap in knowledge of this subject.
350 questionnaires were distributed and 92 completed forms were received. Each questionnaire asked a series of closed answer questions relating to the symptoms, causes and health promotion measures associated with the syndrome.
Conclusions drawn from the study show that whilst a high proportion of women have heard of the condition PCOS (with 63% of the sample population) the level of understanding of the subject remains limited. The classic symptoms of PCOS are recognised by women as indicating the presence of the syndrome, but other symptoms are not so well recognised. There is very poor knowledge of the underlying cause of PCOS being genetic and related to hormone imbalances, with less than 10% of the sample population correctly stating the cause. 63% of the sample population were aware that PCOS can occur with varying severity, but this knowledge does not help clarify the condition to them. One in ten women are thought to suffer with PCOS, but results from this survey found that women perceived it to be a far less common condition. The main sources of information regarding PCOS come from friends and family and the media, accounting for 79% of the sources. This may account for the limited understanding women have, as such sources do not provide comprehensive educational programmes. - presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13578
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Dhunnoo Asha, “A discussion of women's knowledge and perceptions of polycystic ovarian syndrome”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 28, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/1179