EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES: UNDERSTANDING HEALTH LITERACY AND POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) AWARENESS IN BARANGAY MAGSAYSAY, BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA

Abstrak / Ringkasan

<p><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p>
<p><span>Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 6–13% of reproductive-aged women, with up to 70% undiagnosed. Defined by the WHO, it involves hormonal imbalances, irregular menstruation, and hyperandrogenism, leading to infertility and metabolic risks. Despite its impact, it remains underdiagnosed, underscoring the need for greater awareness. Defined by the WHO, it involves hormonal imbalances, irregular menstruation, and hyperandrogenism, leading to infertility and metabolic risks. Despite its impact, it remains underdiagnosed, underscoring the need for greater awareness. This study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational design to assess the health literacy and PCOS awareness of women aged 18–44 in Barangay Magsaysay, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on demographic profiles, health literacy, and PCOS awareness. Statistical analysis examined relationships between age, educational attainment, health literacy, and awareness. The findings showed that most respondents were aged 25–44, with basic to intermediate educational backgrounds. While health literacy levels were moderate, nearly half of the respondents reported not receiving help in understanding medical information. Awareness of PCOS was generally high at 63.6%, but gaps in knowledge remained, particularly regarding metabolic symptoms, treatment options, and cultural beliefs. The internet was the most cited source of information. A moderate negative correlation was found between age and health literacy, while educational attainment showed a positive correlation with both health literacy and PCOS awareness. Findings indicate that although general awareness of PCOS is high, gaps remain that may hinder early detection and management. Education plays a key role in improving health literacy and awareness. Community-based initiatives and integrating PCOS education into local health campaigns are recommended to enhance reproductive health outcomes. The researchers recommend integrating PCOS awareness into local health campaigns to support early recognition and intervention.</span></p>
<p><strong><span>Keywords:</span></strong><span> <em>health campaigns, information sources, knowledge gaps, metabolic symptoms, reproductive health</em></span></p>

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