P-21 To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to polycystic ovary syndrome among women of reproductive age attending the Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic at West Demerara Regional Hos

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 150 women aged 18–49 years attending the gynaecology clinic for PCOS management or related concerns. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to PCOS. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings.

Results: Awareness of PCOS was moderate with 80.5% of participants recognizing its impact on fertility and 71.3% identifying its association with other health conditions. However, knowledge gaps were evident particularly regarding causes and metabolic complications, with only 30.7% identifying insulin resistance as a contributing factor. Commonly recognized symptoms included irregular menstruation (81.3%), hirsutism (62.7%), and weight gain (60.7%). Attidudes were generally positive with 78.3% indicating willingness to seek medical care; however, only 14.8% reported regular follow-up, and 31.9% sought care only when symptoms worsened. In terms of practices, hormonal therapy (66.2%), and lifestyle modifications such as diet (54%), and exercise (54%), were commonly reported. Notably, 15.1% reported no treatment and 14.4% relied on nonmedical practices

Conclusion: While baseline awareness of PCOS among women attending this clinic is moderate, significant gaps persist in understanding its etiology, complications, and long-term management. Irregular healthcare-seeking behaviors and reliance on non-evidence-based practices highlight the need for targeted patient education, improved counselling, and structured follow-up systems to enhance PCOS care in Guyana.