Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder which affects the adolescent girls It affects 5% to 10% of women in their reproductive age. Awareness and accurate diagnosis is the first step in managing PCOS as it improves quality of life of the patient. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge on PCOS among the medical students.Methods: Survey of 200 girls was done to assess the knowledge on the polycystic ovarian syndrome among the medical students of different colleges studying in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year. The data was collected from the students by using structured questionnaire.Results: In present study, 51% girls had normal BMI, 19.5% were overweight, 16.5% were obese while 13% were underweight. 33.5% females had acne, 16% had irregularity of menses, 5% had hirsutism while 2% had infertility. In present study, 33% adolescent and young girls had information about PCOS from teacher, 19% got information from friend, 11.5% got information from a doctor, 3.5% got information from newspaper while 5% got information from internet. 28% adolescent and young girls were unaware of PCOS.Conclusions: Thorough knowledge of the disorder and counseling for adolescents should be included in the curriculum which will provide awareness towards the disorder and lifestyle modification. Accurate diagnosis at a younger age may be a key.

Background: Lack of awareness of risk factors and symptoms for cancer may leads to late diagnosis and poor prognosis. A Cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted to assess community awareness about cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms and perceptions about prevention and cure of cervical cancer.Methods: The cross-sectional study included 200 married women aged 18 years and above who consented for the study.Results: In present study, out of 200 respondents, the risk factors for cervical carcinoma known to females were HPV infection in 30 (15%), multiparity and reproductive tract infection in 24 (12%) each, frequent childbirth in 22 (11%), early marriage in 18 (9%) and multiple sexual partners in 12 (6%).158 (79%) females knew vaginal bleeding between menses as symptom of cervical cancer. 132 (66%) knew symptom as foul-smelling vaginal discharge, 86 (42%) as lower abdominal pain, 82 (41%) as loss of appetite and weight while 52 (26%) females knew the symptom as postcoital bleeding. 54 (27%) respondents knew that pap smear test should be done as screening test to detect cervical cancer in early stage while 22 (11%) respondents knew about HPV vaccine as preventive measure.Conclusions: Recognition of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms was low among study participants. Targeted interventions including increasing availability of HPV vaccination, population-based cervical screening and diagnostic services can translate high awareness into actual benefits.

Background: The world’s adolescent population is facing a series of serious nutritional challenges which are not only affecting their growth and development but also their livelihood as adults. Yet, adolescents remain a largely neglected, difficult to measure and hard to reach population, in which the needs of adolescent girls in particular, are often ignored. Anemia in adolescent girls contributes to maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity in future. The objective of the study was to estimate the frequency of anemia among adolescent girls, to study the socio-demographic factors associated with anemia and to evaluate the cause and type of anaemia.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in an urban area in a school. A total of 300 girls (12-18 years) were included in this study. Statistical analysis was done using percentage, standard error of proportion, Chi-square test and student’s t-test.Results: The prevalence of anemia was found to be 90%. A significant association of anemia was found with socio-economic status and literacy status of parents. Mean height and weight of subjects with anemia was significantly less than subjects without anemia. A high prevalence of anemia among adolescent females was found, among those whose parents were less educated.Conclusions: The overall prevalence of anemia among adolescent females was found to be 90%. There is significant association of anemia with socio-economic status and parents' educational status. There is need to increase awareness of anemia in adolescent girls and parents.

Background: Menstrual hygiene is an important aspect in the life of young girls.The present study aims at assessing the knowledge regarding menstruation and hygienic practices and perceptions during menstruation.Methods: It was a cross sectional study, conducted among 100 young girls of 20-22 years age to assess the awareness of menstrual hygiene. Data was collected by pre-tested questionnaire. Statistics was calculated in percentages.Results: Out of 100 girls, 71 (71%) knew about menstruation before menarche while 29 (29%) did not have any knowledge. 71 (71%) girls knew the cause of menstruation as physiological, 18 (18%) girls didn’t know the cause, 11 (11%) girls still believe it as curse of God. 68 (68%) girls knew the source of bleeding during menstruation as uterus, 20 (20%) girls thought it as vagina while 12 (12%) thought it as urethra. 64% girls use sanitary pads during menstruation, 19% girls used old cloth while 17% girls used new cloth during menstruation as adsorbent material. 9% girls dispose pads or used cloth in dustbin, 19% girls flush them in toilet while 12% girls throw them roadside. 96% girls avoid going to temple, 68% girls restrict their daily activities, 56% girls avoid going to functions, 50% girls avoid going to kitchen, 50% girls avoid going to kitchen while 45% girls avoid touching things at home.Conclusions: It is very important that young girls should be educated about the importance of maintaining hygiene during menstruation to prevent the risk of reproductive tract infections.

Background: Acne is most prevalent in adolescent girls. Self-medication for acne is most common in medical students. This study was done to evaluate the knowledge, reason, perception and pattern of self-medication for acne among undergraduate medical students.Methods: A cross-sectional study included medical students of the second phase and final phase (part I and part II). A pretested questionnaire was given to them which included questions on knowledge, attitude and practice about self-medication for acne.Results: In present study, out of 200 girls, 142 (71%) girls were affected with acne while 58 (29%) were not affected by acne. A112 (56%) girls were using allopathic medicines, 32 (16%) girls were using homeopathic medicines, 28 (14%) girls were using ayurvedic medicines while 28 (14%) girls were using other non-specific things. clindamycin was used by 104 (52%) girls, adapalene + benzoyl peroxide gel was used by 26 (13%) girls, clindamycin + nicotinamide gel was used by 12 (6%) girls, toothpaste was used by 42 (24%) girls while Aloe vera gel was used by 76 (38%) of girls. The reason for self-medication was mild nature of illness in 130 (65%)  of girls, 96 (48%) girls did it to save the time, over the counter availability of medicines was the cause in 88 (44%) of girls, getting medicines from their previous prescription was seen in 52 (26%) of girls, 64 (32%) of girls did it to save the cost of consultation, 44 (22%) did it after getting knowledge from pharmacology book while 30 (15%) of girls felt embarrassed to tell their own symptoms.Conclusions: Self-medication for acne is quite high among medical students. Self-medication is part of self-care so it should be encouraged for minor illness. But should be based on thorough knowledge and restricted to over the counter drugs.