The Effectiveness of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) on Awareness Regarding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Among Undergraduates at A Selected Nursing College, South India

Abstract

Aims: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder among women between the ages of 18 and 44 years. The signs and symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome include menstrual irregularities, excess body and facial hair, acne, pelvic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, and patches of thicker, darker, velvety skin. The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of information, education, and communication on awareness regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome among undergraduates.

Methods: A quantitative pre-experimental approach was adopted and the research design used was a one-group pre-test-post-test design. The study was conducted at a selected nursing college in South Kerala. A total of 104 samples were selected by total enumerative sampling. The socio-demographic variables were gathered by selfreporting. The awareness was assessed by a structured questionnaire. The sample was
provided with an education session using video and leaflets, and the post-test was conducted 45 days after the pretest.

Results: The pretest mean + SD score of awareness was 12.91 + 3.16, the posttest mean score was 14.79 + 2.74. The mean difference was statistically highly significant (p 0.001). It showed there was a significant difference in awareness among undergraduates after the implementation of Information, Education and Communication.

Conclusions: Information, education and communication had a significant effect in improving the awareness regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome among undergraduates.