Author(s)

Nagwa Elsheikh Eltayeb Malik^1*, Saif Elden Babiker Abdalla², Muntaser Mohammed Fadoul Alhassen³, Nusayba Abdelrhman Alageb¹, Fattom J. Sayed¹, Nuha Y. Alfaifi¹, Kholod K. Alfaifi¹, Aishah A. Hattan¹

¹Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Science, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Science, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
³Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Applied Medical Science, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders in premenopausal women affecting 5% - 10% women in reproductive age. Many studies show that good dietary habits and balanced diet in addition to regular exercise can significantly improve the symptoms of the syndrome. The prevalence rate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 42.8%. This study aimed to measure the awareness of Jazan females about the nutrition related effects of polycystic ovary syndrome and investigate the association between age and awareness of nutrition related effect on PCOS. Method: Cross sectional study was conducted during a period from January 9^th to February 5^th 2023, by a questionnaire used to measure the awareness of female in Jazan region about the nutrition related effects of poly cystic ovary syndrome. Data was collected using Google questionnaire survey and it was randomly distributed to Jazan women from 18 to 50 years old. The questionnaire was about general information about PCOS, nutrition-related effects of PCOS, the effects of eating patterns on PCOS, physical activity, and sleeping. The sample size was 384 women. Results: The total response was about 363 women. The results showed that women in the Jazan region did not have sufficient knowledge about PCOS 51.5% and 63.4% had no knowledge about diet recommendations for PCOS. However, there was awareness about healthy eating patterns that reduce the symptoms of PCOS. The level of awareness of PCOS and its association with age among Jazan women was higher in young adult groups (21 to 29 years old). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the level of knowledge about PCOS among Jazan women is insufficient. Also, their awareness about diet and lifestyle interventions was low. There is a relationship between age and awareness of the nutrition-related effects of PCOS. Promoting the role of balanced nutrition and nutritional knowledge is an important requirement for all women, especially those with PCOS. The role of health, educational, and governmental institutions is important in spreading the link between nutrition and PCOS.

PCOS, Nutrition, Awareness, Diet and Lifestyle

Malik, N. , Abdalla, S. , Alhassen, M. , Alageb, N. , Sayed, F. , Alfaifi, N. , Alfaifi, K. and Hattan, A. (2023) The Awareness of Jazan Females about the Nutrition Related Effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 11, 219-234. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2023.1111019.