Authors: Norah I. Almanie , Sohaila Ahmed Asiri , Taif Khalid Alasmari , Norah Saad Jadaan , Thikra Khalid Alasmari , Yusra Abdullah AlQasimi , Ayman Shaamash

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting 4–20% of reproductive-age women globally. Despite its health consequences, data on PCOS awareness and practices remain limited in Saudi Arabia, particularly outside major urban centres. This study assessed PCOS knowledge and health-related practices among women in the Asir region and examined sociodemographic determinants of knowledge and its relationship with health behaviours.

Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 528 women aged ≥18 years in the Asir region using a validated online questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha: 0.904 for knowledge; 0.896 for practices; KR-20 = 0.909). Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman's correlation, and multiple linear regression assessed sociodemographic, knowledge, and practice associations (p < 0.05). 

Results: Overall, 45.1% demonstrated poor PCOS knowledge (score ≤10), 38.1% moderate, and 16.9% good. While 83.9% had heard of PCOS and key symptoms including menstrual irregularity (83.5%) and hirsutism (67.8%) were recognised, cardiometabolic complication awareness was low (diabetes: 28.6%; cardiovascular disease: 13.8%). Binary logistic regression identified older age (OR=0.614, 95% CI: 0.465–0.810, p<0.001), lower educational attainment (OR=1.242, p=0.011), and marital status (OR=1.625, p=0.030) as independent predictors of inadequate knowledge. PCOS knowledge independently predicted practice scores (β=0.261, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Substantial gaps in PCOS knowledge and suboptimal health practices persist among women in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Older age and lower education were the strongest predictors of inadequate knowledge. Greater knowledge correlated with healthier practices, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions addressing cardiometabolic risks to promote early diagnosis and improve outcomes.

Keywords: Cross-sectional study, health practices, knowledge, polycystic ovary syndrome, Saudi Arabia.