A Study on the Effectiveness of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Interventions on Knowledge of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Among Late Adolescent Girls in a Selected Nursing College, Bengaluru

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder among women between the ages 18-44. It affects approximately 2% to 20% of this age group. It is one the leading endocrine disease and which affects one in 15 women in Worldwide. A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted. 60 participants were selected by stratified random sampling technique. Their knowledge about PCOS was assessed using a structured questionnaire, followed by a 5-day instructional module. Post- intervention knowledge was again evaluated with the same questionnaire. The pre-test mean knowledge score was 11.14 (SD = 5.72), and the post-test mean was 23.19 (SD = 6.66), with a significant mean difference of 12.05. The paired t-test value exceeded the critical value at a 0.001 significance level, confirming that the intervention was statistically effective. Further analysis revealed marked improvements across specific domains. Knowledge regarding general information, causes, signs & symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of PCOS significantly improved. For example, in the domain of causes of PCOS, the pre-test score was 3.72, increasing to 18.5 in the post-test. In risk factors, the pre-test score was 0.83, which rose to 16.5 post-intervention. These findings support that IEC modules can substantially improve awareness and understanding of PCOS in adolescent girls.