Barriers to treatment regimen adherence in Indian women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of the reproductive age group. Its treatment regimen comprises medication and lifestyle modifications. However, non-adherence to the treatment regimen is the most commonly faced problem among women due to various barriers, resulting in complications like insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and infertility. Primary care physicians see patients with this disorder either at the initiation of treatment or on follow-up care after specialist consultation. So, understanding the barriers to treatment compliance, from a woman’s perspective and finding the solution to the same is crucial to successful therapy. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to assess adherence to the treatment regimen and its barriers among women with PCOS and its associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 224 women who met the inclusion criteria responded through a Google form. Self-reports were obtained by a demographic proforma, medication adherence rating scale, and barriers assessment questionnaire. RESULTS: Only a third of the women (32.1%) were fully adherent, 36.3% were partially adherent, and 31.6% were non-adherent. The most common barriers among women were lack of knowledge regarding the disease and its management, side effects of the treatment, long duration of the therapy, no relief of symptoms, bland diet, and lack of physical exercise. Treatment adherence was associated with socioeconomic status (P = 0.001) among women with PCOS. CONCLUSION: Adherence to the treatment regimen in PCOS was poor. Successful adherence depends on how patients understand the severe implications of non-adherence to the prescribed treatment and adjust to lifestyle modifications related barriers. It is also vital for health care providers and patients to identify these barriers, address them and refine treatment strategies.