KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROMEAMONG FEMALE PHARMACY STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITYOFBENIN, EDO STATE
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Abstract
Introduction/Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders affecting women of reproductive age worldwide. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology, and is linked to long-term complications such as infertility, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. Despite its high burden, awareness and understanding of PCOS remain limited, even among women in health-related disciplines. In Nigeria, factors such as cultural stigma, inadequate reproductive health education, and limited clinical
training may further reduce levels of knowledge. Pharmacy students, as future healthcare professionals, are expected to play key roles in educating patients and promoting early detection of chronic disorders like PCOS. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge and awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among female pharmacy students at the University of Benin. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 197 female pharmacy students in 400–600 levels, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire containing sections on demographics, knowledge, awareness, perceptions, and information sources. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics summarized responses, while Chi-square tests evaluated associations between variables, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The overall mean knowledge score was 26.80 ± 4.14 out of 42. Most respondents (60.9%) demonstrated poor knowledge, while only 39.1% exhibited good knowledge of PCOS. Awareness was moderate in more than half of the students (54.3%). Students in 600 level had significantly better knowledge (28.79 ± 4.35, p<0.001). Significant associations were observed between knowledge level and family history of PCOS (p < 0.003), PCOS diagnosis (p < 0.001), and primary sources of
information (p < 0.001). Social media (33.5%) and academic lectures (17.8%) were the most common sources of information. Although many respondents recognized PCOS as a hormonal disorder (72.1%) and its link to infertility (76.6%), major gaps
existed in identifying elevated hormones, diagnostic criteria, complications, and evidence-based management. Additionally, 70.1% did not perceive PCOS as a serious condition, and 40.1% lacked confidence in counselling patients. Conclusion: The findings reveal substantial gaps in PCOS knowledge among female pharmacy students at the University of Benin, despite moderate awareness levels. Notable deficiencies were identified in their understanding of PCOS risk factors, hormonal imbalance, diagnostic methods, and long-term complications. There is aneed to strengthen reproductive health education within the pharmacy curriculum, promote targeted awareness initiatives, and improve exposure to PCOS relatedclinical content. Enhancing students’ knowledge will better prepare future pharmacists to offer accurate patient counselling, support early detection, and contribute to improved management of PCOS. Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Pharmacy Students, Awareness, Knowledge, University of Benin, Hormonal Disorders, Reproductive Health, Women’s Health.
training may further reduce levels of knowledge. Pharmacy students, as future healthcare professionals, are expected to play key roles in educating patients and promoting early detection of chronic disorders like PCOS. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge and awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among female pharmacy students at the University of Benin. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 197 female pharmacy students in 400–600 levels, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire containing sections on demographics, knowledge, awareness, perceptions, and information sources. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics summarized responses, while Chi-square tests evaluated associations between variables, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The overall mean knowledge score was 26.80 ± 4.14 out of 42. Most respondents (60.9%) demonstrated poor knowledge, while only 39.1% exhibited good knowledge of PCOS. Awareness was moderate in more than half of the students (54.3%). Students in 600 level had significantly better knowledge (28.79 ± 4.35, p<0.001). Significant associations were observed between knowledge level and family history of PCOS (p < 0.003), PCOS diagnosis (p < 0.001), and primary sources of
information (p < 0.001). Social media (33.5%) and academic lectures (17.8%) were the most common sources of information. Although many respondents recognized PCOS as a hormonal disorder (72.1%) and its link to infertility (76.6%), major gaps
existed in identifying elevated hormones, diagnostic criteria, complications, and evidence-based management. Additionally, 70.1% did not perceive PCOS as a serious condition, and 40.1% lacked confidence in counselling patients. Conclusion: The findings reveal substantial gaps in PCOS knowledge among female pharmacy students at the University of Benin, despite moderate awareness levels. Notable deficiencies were identified in their understanding of PCOS risk factors, hormonal imbalance, diagnostic methods, and long-term complications. There is aneed to strengthen reproductive health education within the pharmacy curriculum, promote targeted awareness initiatives, and improve exposure to PCOS relatedclinical content. Enhancing students’ knowledge will better prepare future pharmacists to offer accurate patient counselling, support early detection, and contribute to improved management of PCOS. Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Pharmacy Students, Awareness, Knowledge, University of Benin, Hormonal Disorders, Reproductive Health, Women’s Health.
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