Knowledge of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Among Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Students in Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a metabolic, reproductive, and endocrine disorder, in which the ovaries contain a large number of harmless follicles.  Aim of the study was to assess knowledge of nursing and midwifery students in Princes Nourah Bint Abdelrhman University regarding PCOS.

Methodology: The research design was a descriptive cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 268 undergraduate nursing students in PNU was obtained from each level in both program, nursing and midwifery, also the internship students were included. Data was collected through a self-administrated questionnaire that was uploaded through Google form to the students.

Result: of the study indicated that 75% nursing and 25% midwifery students their age ranged from 18 and 20 years. Knowledge regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): The overall mean score of knowledge was 12.324.45/Moderate, Clinical evaluation for PCOS was diagnosed in 14.18%, with 28.76% having Prolonged periods, 58.44% having acne, 57.52% having family history of diabetes, 54.55% having hair growth, 52.6% having very heavy periods, 51.32% having hair loss, 43.79% having partial absence of periods, 41.83% having discoloration, and 9.21% having diabetes.4. The sources of the information were as follow; 34.72% got the information of PSOC from the internet, followed by healthcare providers (24.53%), then family/friends and academic learning for around 18% each, then newspapers, brochure/written material, and workshop/seminars for less than 2% each. Conclusion:  Most of the students from the nursing and midwifery program had awareness of PCOS and risk factors, however, there is a lack of information about the signs and symptoms of PCOS, and the main sources of information were from health care providers.

Recommendation:1. Conducting educational programs to raise awareness among university students about PCOS.