Knowledge about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), body image, and depression by PCOS status among a sample of US...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 8-13% of females. US population-based research on PCOS limited. We compare PCOS knowledge and describe common PCOS symptoms in those with and without PCOS.

An internet panel survey of 382 (200 with PCOS) US females 18-30 years was administered. PCOS knowledge was assessed using 20 items classified as correct or incorrect summed to create a knowledge score. Respondents reported experience of each of 8 common PCOS symptoms. Body image and depression were assessed using the Body Image Measurement Scale and PHQ-9.

The sample had a mean age of 26.2 years and was majority White, non-Hispanic (76.0%). Those with PCOS demonstrated better PCOS knowledge (mean score 10.7 vs. 9.8; p = 0.029) and were more likely to identify the cardiometabolic sequelae than those without PCOS. More than 50% of respondents with PCOS reported each of the common symptoms. Those with PCOS reported significantly poorer body image (mean 3.71 vs. 3.31; p < .0001) and higher depression symptoms (mean 14.88 vs. 10.69; p < .0001).

This study adds to the relatively small body of research on PCOS conducted among US females and highlights that knowledge about PCOS in US young adult females is low, regardless of PCOS status.