Awareness of polycystic ovary syndrome: A university students’ perspective

Abstract

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Women with this syndrome may have infrequent menstrual periods or amenorrhea and excess androgen levels. The ovaries develop numerous small follicles and fail to ovulate on a regular basis, with subsequent subfertility in those women that wish to conceive. The etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome is unclear. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Objectives To assess the knowledge and attitude of university students towards polycystic ovary syndrome at two universities in the north of Jordan. Method ology: This is a cross-sectional online survey that polled female students at two universities in the north of Jordan. The main outcome measures included average polycystic ovary syndrome awareness score, predictors of high awareness scores, and sources of information. Results Formal diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome was reported by 29.9% of the 1182 students, the average polycystic ovary syndrome awareness score was M = 11.59 (SD = 4.95). Being a 6th and 5th year college student were the strongest independent predictors for recognizing the term polycystic ovary syndrome, in addition to be a student in the majors of veterinary medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or dentistry. Age was a significant predictor of polycystic ovary syndrome awareness score. Being investigated for, or being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome were significant predictors of higher scores. Body mass index was a weak predictor of polycystic ovary syndrome awareness. Participants who reported to have hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans, or acne scored significantly higher than others. Healthcare professionals were the most common source of information reported by participants. Lectures were most effective in increasing awareness score but were poorly utilized outside the curriculum. Conclusion Although students in this study demonstrated a satisfactory level of polycystic ovary syndrome awareness and were more likely to seek information from healthcare professionals, this level of awareness should spread-out to other segments of the population.

Acanthosis Nigricans: Pointer of Endocrine Entities

“…Notably, IR was found even in normal-weighted patients with PCOS (about 20–30%) [ 114 , 115 ]. AN, as well as acne, hirsutism, and high BMI represent the most practical tools to increased awareness of PCOS in addition to menstrual cycle anomalies [ 116 , 117 ]. ( Figure 1 ).…”

Effect of Educational Guidelines on Knowledge, Self-Protective Behavior and Quality of Life of Female Nursing Students regarding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…The total score ranged from 0 -84. Scoring system was as follows: Usually/always was scored as (0), sometimes was scored as (1), and never/rarely was scored as (2). The total scoring system was as follows: High quality of life < 50%, moderate quality of life 50 -< 65%, and low quality of life ≥ 65%.…”

“…Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an incurable, complex heterogeneous most common endocrinal and metabolic disease in women of reproductive age. [1,2,3] Worldwide, it affects 12%-21% of women during the age (15-49 years); in the absence of any other medical disease. [4] Many risk factors can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome, such as genetic family history; endocrine, metabolic, and environmental factors, as well lifestyle.…”

“…[16] Management of PCOS includes, identification of current symptoms, proper self-protective behavior (lifestyle changes that incorporates weight management, diet, exercise and behavioral interventions), treatment of the metabolic complaints, and of androgen excess, providing endometrial protection based on women' specific concerns and needs, as well as prevention of related future health and psychosocial problems. [2,10,12,17] Maternity nurses have a vital role in improving screening and referral rates. They can also participate in appropriate diagnosis and management measures to delay or prevent negative physical and psychological consequences of this syndrome.…”

“…[18,21,22] Following a proper self-protective behavior as changing unhealthy lifestyle can prevent or decrease many diseases including polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as improve quality of life of women during different phases of their life including female nursing students. [2,3,18,22] Previous studies knowledge and attitude of late adolescent girls regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome recommended that they should have the most advanced knowledge. It is also reported that women who have polycystic ovary syndrome were dissatisfied , Vol.…”