Knowledge, awareness & attitude towards PCOS amongst dental college students of Pune city

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting a significant number of women globally. It is associated with a wide range of health issues, including metabolic and psychological problems, and has a strong, bidirectional link with periodontal diseases. This connection places dental professionals in a unique position to contribute to its early detection and management. However, a general lack of awareness, particularly among future healthcare providers, delays crucial interventions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of dental college students in Pune city regarding PCOS, its symptoms, risk factors, and its specific link to oral health.

Methodology: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted on 200 dental students. The survey was designed to evaluate their understanding of PCOS across four domains: demographic data, general awareness, knowledge of symptoms and risk factors, and awareness of diagnosis and treatment options. The questionnaire used a mix of multiple-choice and binary ("Yes"/"No") questions. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS software, with results presented as percentages.

Results & Observations: The findings indicated a moderate level of general awareness, with 60% of students having heard of PCOS and 87% being aware of its link to infertility. However, significant gaps in specific knowledge were observed. A large majority of students were unaware of the relationship between PCOS and key factors such as obesity (83% unaware), insulin resistance/prediabetes (62% unaware), or the genetic inheritance pattern (52% unaware). Knowledge of diagnostic methods, such as transvaginal ultrasound (60% unaware) and hormonal testing (77% unaware), was also low. In contrast, the students demonstrated positive and empathetic attitudes, with 95% believing in the importance of early diagnosis and 89% feeling that more awareness and support are needed for women with PCOS.

Conclusion: The study revealed that while dental students possess a supportive attitude and general awareness of PCOS, they have significant deficiencies in specific, clinically relevant knowledge, particularly regarding its metabolic and genetic links. The findings underscore a critical need for targeted educational programs within the dental curriculum to bridge these knowledge gaps, thereby equipping future dental professionals to provide more holistic care and contribute to the early detection and management of PCOS