PCOS and Pinays: A cross-sectional study on the association ofiIllness perception and health behavior of Filipino women aged 18-45 with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Title : PCOS and Pinays: A cross-sectional study on the association ofiIllness perception and health behavior of Filipino women aged 18-45 with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive complications that affects millions of women of reproductive age in the Philippines. Cultural factors and healthcare access in the Philippines may shape how Filipina women perceive and manage this condition. This study aimed to examine the association between illness perception and health behaviors among Filipino women diagnosed with PCOS.
A quantitative cross-sectional design was used among 194 self-reported Filipino women with PCOS aged 18–45 years residing in Metro Manila. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R), Diet Quality Tool (DQT), International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and selected items from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) adapted in Filipino. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between illness perception and health behaviors.
Respondents were 18-37 years old with more than half being classified as obese (52.06%) and had reported irregular menstruation (82.56%) and weight gain (66.15%) as major symptoms. Respondents also demonstrated high Consequence (3.72) and Illness Identity (3.69) scores, indicating high awareness of PCOS symptoms and its effects but only a moderate Control score (3.21), indicating that they had some, but not strong, control over their PCOS management. Multiple regression analysis revealed no significant association between illness perception and health behaviors (p > .05).
Although participants had high awareness of PCOS and its consequences, this awareness did not translate into improved lifestyle practices. The findings suggest that cognitive awareness alone is not enough to influence lifestyle change. Emphasizing the importance of interventions that also address psychosocial and motivational factors among women with PCOS.
KEY WORDS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; Illness Perception; Health Behavior; Public Health

Biography:

Cyrus Christian Lee is a third year medical student and long-time student leader from the Philippines with over a decade of experience in youth leadership, community service, and public health advocacy. He took up BS Biology from Bicol University. He is the co-head of Yapak ng Pangarap, an initiative providing hygiene kits and health education to underserved children. Cyrus has participated in regional and international trainings and conferences, including programs focused on public health and capacity-building. His interests center on community engagement, preventive health, and sustainable volunteer initiatives.