Evaluating the Characteristics of Questionnaires Evaluating Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Among Women of Reproductive Age: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: Although polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is common, little is known regarding the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of women regarding PCOS, possibly due to the scarcity of KAP assessment tools. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to identify the questionnaires used to evaluate KAP regarding PCOS among PCOS women during reproductive age. Methods: In this systematic review, published articles in PubMed, Web of Science, Magiran, and SID databases were searched until 24 Jul 2025. Inclusion criteria included original research articles in Persian or English that investigated KAP using questionnaires among PCOS women of reproductive age. Exclusion criteria were unavailable full texts, seminar abstracts, commentaries, letters, and opinions. The search keywords were PCOS, questionnaire, knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality assessment tool was used for quality assessment of the included articles. Results: Of the initial 4606 articles, five articles were eligible for review. Validity and reliability were reported in 60% and 40% of the articles, respectively. All the articles evaluated knowledge. Attitude and practice were evaluated in three and two articles, respectively. The knowledge domain mostly included questions on the definition, diagnosis, and complications of PCOS. The attitude domain included questions on feelings after diagnosis, the effectiveness of PCOS treatments, and lifestyle modification. Conclusions: The available KAP questionnaires failed to cover the main domains and subdomains of KAP. Holistic KAP questionnaires regarding PCOS should be developed and standardized to improve PCOS management and health education.