PERCEPTION AND ADHERENCE TOWARDS ALLOPATHIC AND AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME AMONG FEMALES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrine disorder requiring long-term management. Patient perception and adherence significantly influence treatment outcomes. The objective of this study is to assess treatment patterns, adherence, perceived effectiveness and switching behaviour among females with PCOS in Dehradun. The cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 166 females aged 15–40 years. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to analyse the data. Combined therapy was most commonly reported (53.0%), followed by Allopathic (29.5%) and Ayurvedic therapy (17.5%). Irregular adherence occurred among 65.7% of participants. 44% of respondents reported improvement, while 56% reporting no change. Treatment switching was observed in 64.5% of the study population. Our analysis indicate that treatment patterns, adherence and switching behavior are significantly associated (p < 0.001), whereas perceived effectiveness was not. Adopting an Integrative approach improves long term PCOS outcomes by enhancing patient perception and treatment adherence.