Awareness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among medical students— A multi-centric cross-sectional survey in West Bengal

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the awareness of Poly Cystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) among medical students of different medical colleges in West Bengal. Materials and Methods: Open label, cross-sectional, multi-centric study was done amongst MBBS students of different medical colleges in west Bengal. An online questionnaire was prepared whose link was shared 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. Use of any reference like books and internet was not allowed. Data was analysed at Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology of R.G. Kar Medical College. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Result: A total of 148 students participated in the study of whom 107 were females (72.29%) and 41 males (27.70%). The highest number of responses was 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). 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: Although, majority of students have the basic knowledge of PCOS, but periodic academic activities (Seminars, CME etc) are required to upgrade the information about symptoms and awareness of PCOS.