AWARENESS REGARDING POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) IN MEDICAL STUDENTS OF A MEDICAL COLLEGE IN WESTERN MAHARASHTRA

Sonal Mahajan, Sujata Banerjee, Yogesh R. Yadav* and Pradnya Jadhav

ABSTRACT

Background: Many diseases of women are often left undiagnosed due to lack of awareness regarding women health issues. This often affects their fertility, leads to pathological complications and ultimately affecting their quality of life. Awareness programmes and education to Indian women can be highly beneficial in reducing morbidity and mortality rates in India. Methods: Survey of 174 girls, studying in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, final year and internship of a medical college in Maharashtra was taken. The survey was done to assess the level of awareness and knowledge regarding Polycystic ovarian syndrome and its complications. A pre-tested and pre-validated questionnaire was used for interviewing the participants, at their convenience. The data collected were analysed through percentages and frequencies using Excel. Results: Out of 174 respondents, only 152 participants were aware of the term PCOS. Out of those who knew the term PCOS, 76% had correct knowledge about the hormonal changes caused by PCOS. Most of them had gained information regarding PCOS from a wide spectrum of sources. The worsening effects of obesity and sedentary lifestyle was well known to the respondents. Most of the respondents had regular menses, while 13.2% accepted that they were suffering from irregular menses, but had never screened themselves for PCOS. Knowledge regarding correct diagnostic tool for detection of PCOS was lacking among 88.8% respondents. Conclusion: Endorsement of screening programmes and risks due to undiagnosed PCOS by celebrities can considerably change the perspectives of the population at risk.

Keywords: PCOS, Medical Students, Awareness, Obesity.