Introduction
PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, affecting 5-10% of women worldwide.1 It is characterized by a combination of hyperandrogenism (either clinical or biochemical), chronic anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology.2 It is frequently associated with obesity and insulin resistance.3
The pathophysiology of PCOS is complex and the underlying imbalance in hormonal milieu is caused by an increase in androgens and/or insulin. Genetic and environmental contributors to hormonal imbalance and also some factors like obesity, ovarian dysfunction and disorders of hypothalamo-pituitary axis contribute to the etiology of PCOS.
PCOS receives considerable attention because of its high prevalence and it possible reproductive, metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. PCOS women are at increased risk of obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders. It increases the risk of miscarriages, fetal deformities, and complications during pregnancy like premature deliveries and neonatal complications. 4
Lately, there has been an increase in the incidence of this syndrome both in developed as well as developing countries. In the backdrop of an increase in sedentary lifestyle and adaptation of western diet culture in India, the study aims in determining the awareness of PCOS among MBBS students- the future doctors in different medical colleges of West Bengal.
Objective
To evaluate the awareness of Poly Cystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) among medical students of different medical colleges in West Bengal.
Materials and Methods
Study duration
The total time including questionnaire preparation, distribution among students, filled up form collection, statistical analysis took one month.
Subject selection criteria
All MBBS students, from first year to final year studying in any medical college of West Bengal and willing to participate in the trial were included.
Methodology
An online questionnaire was framed and its link was shared among the medical students through social media. The portal was kept open for 7 days during which the students were allowed to submit their entries. Only one entry per student was allowed. It was informed that their names would not be disclosed for any reason whatsoever. Using any kind of study material or Internet resources was forbidden. Participants were freely allowed to contact the investigators through phone for any difficulty or doubt faced by them during filling up of the forms. The filled up forms were used for statistical analysis after the portal was closed.
Statistical analysis
The data was analysed at the Department of Obtsterics and Gynecology of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hopsital, Kolkata. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software (version 20). Chi square test was used for analysis of the variables. P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results and Analysis
A total of 148 students participated in the study of whom 107 were females (72.29%) and 41 males (27.70%).
Table 1
Participation from various colleges (n = 148)
Table 2
The general awareness about symptoms of PCOS amongst medical students (n = 148)
Table 3
General awareness about possible complications of PCOS amongst medical students (n = 148)
Table 4
Awareness amongst medical students about possible ways to alleviate the symptoms of PCOS (n = 148)
Table 5
Awareness amongst medical students about some miscellaneous features of PCOS (n = 148)
Table 6
Response of medical students on some personal questionson PCOS (n = 148)
Discussion
A cross-sectional, observational study was taken up among MBBS students of different medical colleges in West Bengal to determine their awareness about PCOS.
The highest number of responses were from College of Medicine and JNM hospital, Kalyani, Nadia (47.29%). Most of the respondents were females (72.20%). Females had a better knowledge about the signs and symptoms of PCOS. The awareness amongst the medical students about Hirsutism (p value 0.01), facial acne (p value 0.02) and Diabetes (p value 0.02) as symptoms of PCOS were statistically significant (p value <0.05). Overall awareness about possible complications of PCOS was better amongst males. That diabetes is a possible complication of PCOS was known to 44.85% females and 63.41% males and the result was statistically significant (p value 0.02). Females were more aware of the role of lifestyle modification to alleviate symptoms of PCOS. Awareness about doing exercise (p value 0.0003), losing weight (p value 0.02) and increased intake of fruits and vegetables (p value 0.007) as curative measures of PCOS were statistically significant. PCOS is an inherited disorder was known to 14.01% females and 26.82% males and the result was statistically significant (p value 0.01). Change in ovarian morphology occurring in PCOS was known to 53.27% females and 58.53% males but the result was statistically insignificant (p value 0.8).
Conclusion
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is emerging as a serious threat in modern medicine. In spite of its increasing prevalence, the knowledge and awareness about the disease is still limited. Social and environmental factors may take the key role, and the management is largely based on lifestyle modification. Therefore, the awareness about the disease is of prime importance, specially for medical students. Though the disease is limitedto females only, but knowledge about the symptoms and necessary lifestyle modification should be known to all medical students.
