THE RAISING AWARENESS AND PROMOTING MANAGEMENT OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS): AN INTERDISCIPLINARY COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH ACROSS EDUCATIONAL AND MARGINALIZED GROUPS

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrinological disorders affecting women of reproductive age, with significant implications for reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health. Despite its high prevalence, awareness and management practices remain alarmingly low in many South Asian contexts due to sociocultural stigma, gendered silences, and limited access to reproductive health education. This study explores the impact of community-based awareness interventions on knowledge and behavioral attitudes toward PCOS management among female students and slum residents in Lahore, Pakistan. Using a mixed- method participatory approach, pre- and post-assessment surveys, and educational sessions were conducted to evaluate changes in awareness, perception, and coping strategies. The findings demonstrated substantial improvements in participants’ understanding of PCOS symptoms, complications, and lifestyle management techniques, emphasizing the transformative potential of gender-responsive health education. By integrating theoretical insights from social cognitive and feminist health promotion frameworks, the paper situates PCOS as a reproductive justice concern that transcends biomedical boundaries, intersecting with issues of social inequity, gender norms, and public health policy. The study concludes with recommendations for inclusive health communication, curriculum reform, and policy initiatives aimed at promoting women’s reproductive autonomy in South Asia and beyond.