Knowledge regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome among students of selected nursing institute of Gangtok, East Sikkim

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a growing problem with adolescent girls. in addition young women during their reproductive years. It can be very difficult to diagnose PCOS in teenage girls as they often experience irregular or absent menses and acne. It is one of the most endocrine disorders with prevalence of 5%–10% in different ethnic populations and 22% of women in general population. PCOS is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder which affects one in 15 women worldwide. Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge of nursing students regarding different area of PCOS and to assess the self preventive measures adopted by the students diagnosed with PCOS. Hence the present study was planned to assess the level of knowledge regarding PCOS among nursing students and to identify the self preventive measures taken by the students diagnosed with PCOS to prevent future complication. Methods: Investigators adopted the survey approach with descriptive survey research design where 100 nursing students studying in third year B.Sc. nursing programme were recruited through non probability purposive sampling technique from Sikkim Manipal College of Nursing, at Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok, East Sikkim. Structured knowledge questionnaire on PCOS and Self preventive measures regarding PCOS were used to collect data on nursing student’s knowledge and self preventive measures regarding PCOS for which validity and reliability was ensured. Results: The finding of the study shows that majority of the students were in the age group of 20 to 21 years (78%) and almost all (100) students had inadequate knowledge regarding PCOS with the mean score of 14.97 out of 32. The findings also shows that the minimum knowledge scores were found in the meaning of PCOS (29%) and causes & risk factors for developing PCOS (44%). The study also reveals that five students were diagnosed with PCOS had a very unhealthy life practices i.e. (60%) had never adopted any health measure to control weight, 4(80%) drinks alcohol sometime, 2 (40%) smoke cigarette always and 3 (60%) of the students’ diet include foods rich in calorie. Statistically significant difference was found between demographic characteristics such as sources of information on PCOS (41.6%) with students’ knowledge (P≤0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study it can be concluded that, all of the students (100%) had poor knowledge regard polycystic ovarian syndrome. but it was having its association with the sources of information, which indirectly reflected that if the students were given enough needed information regarding the PCOS and its management then the syndrome can be identified at its early stage. Nursing curriculum should be updated to include comprehensive information about PCOS to improve the awareness of other women once in practice.