Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Diagnosis among Health Care Providers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalances, reproductive abnormalities, and metabolic disturbances. The diagnosis and management of PCOS is not well documented, particularly in the Ethiopian healthcare setup.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 210 healthcare professionals selected from hospitals in Addis Ababa from April 10 to May 24, 2024. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire and double entered using Microsoft Excel and analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. Likert scale was used for the attitude analysis and the average score measure of difference was used for knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) level of measurements. ANOVA was used for testing the association of p-value less than 0.05% and Spearman's rho was used to test correlation.

RESULT

Out of 210 respondents, only 43 (20.5%) had "Good Knowledge" about PCOS and its diagnosis. Gynecologists exhibited the highest knowledge (58.3%) and practice (50%) scores compared to other professions. A majority, 187 individuals (89.0%), were classified as having a "Good Attitude" towards PCOS and its diagnosis. Only 42 (22.0%) of participants indicated Good Practice. Among the hormonal markers, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) on its own was the most frequently used (75 participants, 41.4%), Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) were only utilized by 15.5% (28) and 17.7% (32) of participants respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study highlighted significant gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practices among healthcare professionals in Ethiopia regarding PCOS diagnosis. Inadequate practices were common, with reliance on ultrasonography and physical symptoms alone. More attention should be given to creating proper diagnosis and referring channels along with teaching and advocacy in academia and the public to promote women's reproductive health.