SAT-180 - Attitude Towards Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in A Sample of Hispanic Women

Title: Attitude towards Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Sample of Hispanic Women

Purpose: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common metabolic and endocrine conditions in women. PCOS is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cancer, thus lifestyle interventions are a cornerstone of its management. Previous studies have reported positive patient attitudes toward PCOS, though optimism is lower when compared to controls. There is limited information regarding PCOS in Hispanic populations. This study aimed to assess the attitude of Hispanic PCOS patients towards this condition.

Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of Hispanic women with PCOS aged 21 – 45 years living in Puerto Rico. Participants were recruited from the General Endocrinology and Gynecology Clinics at the UPR-RCM Clinics. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire evaluating their attitude towards PCOS.

Results: A total of 50 women with a diagnosis of PCOS were included in this study. More than half (54%) of participants reported that PCOS affects their self-esteem and increases their need for emotional support. Forty-two percent agreed that PCOS affects negatively their daily life, whereas 34% were neutral and 24% disagreed. Sixty percent reported having adjusted to living with PCOS and implemented lifestyle changes. Most participants acknowledged the importance of maintaining a healthy weight (88%), lifestyle and diet interventions (90%), and attending follow-up medical appointments (98%). Almost all of the participants (98%) stated that they would encourage other PCOS patients to seek medical care.

Conclusion: This study found positive attitudes regarding the importance of lifestyle interventions and disease management among patients with PCOS. Nevertheless, participants recognized the negative impact of PCOS on their self-esteem and emotional well-being. Although most participants reported having adjusted to living with PCOS and making lifestyle changes, 40% had not yet implemented such modifications. These findings underscore the importance of patient attitudes and their potential influence on adherence to lifestyle modifications.

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