Knowledge, practices, and attitudes of primary care physicians in Bahrain toward polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study
Zahraa S. Zabar, Maryam H. Jadeed, Fatima S. S. Alalawi, Zahra S. J. Ali, Kawthar L. AlShahabi, Adel AlSayyad
A
BSTRACT
Introduction:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is associated with metabolic, reproductive, and psychosocial complications. Despite its prevalence, diagnostic and management practices vary widely, and little is known about physicians’ approaches in Bahrain. This study aims to improve the care provided by primary care physicians to women with PCOS.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians in all 27 primary health care centers in Bahrain. A structured questionnaire, adapted from validated international tools, evaluated knowledge of diagnostic criteria, complications, and management. Data were analyzed descriptively, with subgroup comparisons by certification and years of experience.
Results:
Of 201 respondents (mean age 37 years; 80.6% female; 69.2% board-certified), most recognized irregular menses (98.0%) and hirsutism (93.5%), while fewer identified depression (34.8%) or anxiety (26.4%). Rotterdam criteria were most used (31.8%), followed by National Institutes of Health (NIH) (24.4%); Anti-Müllerian hormone was rarely applied (8.2%). Insulin resistance (91.0%) and type 2 diabetes (78.1%) were widely acknowledged, but cardiovascular disease (40.3%), fatty liver (39.8%), and endometrial cancer (29.4%) were less often recognized. Lifestyle modification (67.7%) and metformin (70.1%) were common treatments, while fertility care was mostly referred (82.1%). Knowledge scores were higher among board-certified physicians (82.7% vs. 73.6%,
Conclusion:
Bahraini primary care physicians recognize hallmark PCOS features but show gaps in awareness of psychological and long-term complications. Targeted training and guideline alignment are needed to improve comprehensive, patient-centered care.