| dc.description.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. | en_US |
