Prevalence of PCOD and Its Determination Among the Reproductive Age Group in Chattogram, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background:

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common hormonal illness that affects reproductive aged women, causing hormonal abnormalities, infertility, metabolic issues, and a lower quality of life. On the other hand, PCOD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in areas where awareness is low and healthcare access is limited. In Bangladesh, and particularly in the Chattogram region, the rising number of PCOD cases is becoming a growing day by day. However, research exploring its prevalence and the contributing factors is still limited. Differnces in lifestyle, dietary patterns, and healthcare patterns, and healthcare availability between urban and rural areas may play a significant role in identifying how PCOD develops and is managed, but these factors remain understudied. The aim of this study is assess the prevalence of PCOD and Its determination among the reproductive age group women in Chattogram and also explore how nutrition influences PCOD symptoms. By analyzing dietary habits and healthcare access in both urban and rural areas, I hope to generate valuable insights that can inform future interventions, help in public health intiatives, and guide policy recommendations to improve PCOD managment and awareness across the region.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study there was 173 participants to assess their knowledge, awareness, diagnosis and trearment-seeking behavior about PCOD. Agreement papers were provided to the participants and discussed in detail before the surveys started. A written agreement was depending on the participnat’s comfort level. The research participants were have the full freedom to leave the study at their own convenience. Following data collection, they were input into SPSS software and examined for coherence and errors. Using SPSS software, the collected information was analyzed to determine the connection. Result:

The highest proportion of participants was aged 26–35 years (71 participants, 40%), followed by 16–25 years (63 participants, 36%), and 36–45 years (41 participants, 24%). The majority of participants had primary education (63%), followed by secondary (49%), higher secondary (33%), and graduate/postgraduate education (18%), while only 12% had no formal education. Education levels were consistently higher among one group across all categories. The majority (56.6%) of respondents were uninformed about the disease, with social media (14.9%) and family or friends (14.9%) serving as key sources of knowledge. Despite rising frequency, diagnosis remains difficult, with just 57.7% of individuals receiving a formal diagnosis, mostly by symptom evaluation (28.6%) and ultrasonography (19.4%). Notably, 41.3% were confused about their PCOD status, indicating a significant prevalence of underdiagnosis. Lifestyle variables influenced disease prevalence, with urban women having a greater incidence of PCOD, most likely due to sedentary lifestyles and increased intake of processed foods. Rural women, on the other hand, had nutritional deficits and limited access to healthcare, delaying diagnosis and treatment even further. Alarmingly, just 22.3% of diagnosed women were receiving treatment, with financial restrictions (5.1%) and a lack of knowledge (2.9%) posing significant hurdles to access to healthcare.

Conclusion:

The research emphasizes the critical need for higher awareness, early diagnosis, and enhanced healthcare services to combat PCOD in Bangladesh. Improving public health policies, combining nutrition education, and promoting accessible healthcare access can all significantly improve outcomes for affected women. Overcoming stigmas from society and economic obstacles is crucial for encouraging prompt medical intervention.