From Exposure to Understanding: Public Awareness of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) in a University Sample

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a common hormonal condition associated with significant reproductive, metabolic, and psychological consequences, yet it remains widely underdiagnosed and poorly understood. Although existing research has primarily focused on patient knowledge and clinical experiences, less is known about the factors that may shape both perceived and objective understanding among the general population. The present study examined perceived and objective PMOS knowledge in a university student sample and explored whether online health-information seeking, exposure to PMOS, gender, and being in a health-related major were associated with these forms of knowledge. Participants reported low perceived knowledge and answered fewer than half of the objective knowledge items correctly on average, suggesting relatively limited knowledge within this sample. Perceived knowledge was positively associated with objective knowledge and negatively associated with uncertainty, which may indicate some correspondence between participants’ confidence and what they knew or did not know. Several online health-information-seeking behaviors were associated with higher objective knowledge, but not with perceived knowledge. Further, women demonstrated higher objective knowledge than men, though knowledge gaps remained evident across groups. Finally, participants with exposure to PMOS demonstrated higher perceived and objective knowledge than their counterparts, though knowledge gaps remained evident across groups. Previous research has linked limited PMOS awareness with challenges in symptom recognition and timely diagnosis, particularly during early adulthood. When considered alongside this broader literature, the present findings support continued efforts to improve evidence-based PMOS education and awareness among young adults.