Disease-related and self-management-related knowledge, attitude and practice among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and acne in Hebei, China: a cross-sectional study

Objective Self-management emerges as paramount for effective outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and acne. This study aimed to investigate the disease and self-management-related knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in PCOS patients with acne. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting Demographic information and KAP scores were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Participants This study enrolled PCOS patients with acne at Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences between April and October 2023. Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary outcomes were the total scores for disease-related and self-management-related KAP and the proportions of participants with adequate levels in each KAP dimension. Secondary outcomes were the associations between KAP levels and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including employment status and duration since PCOS diagnosis. Results A total of 489 valid questionnaires were enrolled, including 458 (93.66%) patients unmarried, with a mean age of 23.03±2.46 years. The mean scores of KAP were 11.98±4.82 (possible range: 0–20), 40.48±3.16 (possible range: 11–55), 38.04±3.92 (possible range: 9–45), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that people who were unemployed or without a fixed job had lower knowledge levels (OR=0.370, 95% CI 0.182 to 0.753, p=0.006), those who had suffered from PCOS for 1–3 years (OR=18.067, 95% CI 9.259 to 35.254, p<0.001), those with PCOS for greater than or equal to 3 years (OR=19.195, 95% CI 7.508 to 49.074, p<0.001) were associated with sufficient knowledge. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that longer PCOS duration was significantly associated with higher total KAP scores, with 1–3 years (β=5.678, 95% CI 3.858 to 7.498, p<0.001) and ≥3 years (β=5.817, 95% CI 3.170 to 8.465, p<0.001) showing substantial positive associations compared with those diagnosed less than 6 months ago. Conclusions PCOS patients with acne had inadequate knowledge, active attitude and proactive practice towards disease and self-management. To enhance clinical practice, targeted educational interventions are recommended, specifically addressing the knowledge gaps observed in unemployed individuals and those in the early stages of PCOS.