Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Mental Health Disparities in Bangladeshi Women: A Mixed Method Approach

Background PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting women's well-being. It is a chronic ailment without a cure, posing a significant threat to women's health, with many going untreated. Aims Many women in Bangladesh lack knowledge about PCOS, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. This gap hinders understanding of coping strategies, treatment options, and lifestyle improvements related to the condition. Methods In total, 426 participants were included in this mixed method study, and data were collected from them in a mixed-method way. A standard approach was used for the assessment of knowledge level among Bangladeshi people about PCOS signs & symptoms, causes, diagnosis & treatment options, and impacts on health. The prevalence of diagnostic tests among people and the extent to which women are underdiagnosed were also determined. Results Women with positive PCOS status had a significantly negative impact on mental health conditions. The knowledge level about PCOS among participants is low (63.7%), moderate (21.6%), and high (14.7%). We have found a significant association between knowledge level and age, education, occupation, living place, screening practice, and PCOS status (p-value < 0.05). It is remarkable that 63.4% of women in Bangladesh remain undiagnosed with a symptomatic appearance. Conclusion It is evident that a significant number of women have limited knowledge about PCOS. They also failed to assess their PCOS status, even though the prevalence of PCOS is over thirty percent. Hence, it is important to arrange a health education initiative aimed at educating and encouraging women to actively engage in the diagnostic process to prevent PCOS complications.