Impact of Multimedia Education on Women's knowledge and Practices regarding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Background : Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered one of the common endocrine disorders that increases in adolescent girls in addition to young women and affects about 5%-10% of women worldwide during their reproductive years. It is characterized by menstrual irregularity and elevated serum androgens and is often accompanied by obesity and infertility. Aim : to evaluate the impact of multimedia education on women's knowledge and practices regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome. Subjects and methods: Design: A quasi-experimental design of one group "pre/post-test" was used to achieve the aim of the current study. Setting : the study was applied at the outpatient gynecology and obstetrics clinic at Sohag University Hospital. Sample : A purposive sample included 100 women diagnosed with PCOS. Instruments of data collection: Four instruments were used; 1) Structured interviewing questionnaire, 2) Women's knowledge assessment sheet, 3) menstrual feature assessment tool, 4) Women's practices assessment tool. Results : According to the findings of the current study, menstrual irregularity, menstrual bleeding, amenorrhea, and oligomenorrhea all showed statistically significant improvements (P= 0.005; P=0.001; P=0.012; P= 0.04). There was a highly significant difference between the women's knowledge of polycystic ovarian syndrome before and after receiving multimedia education. Additionally, the practices of the women significantly improved following the implementation of multimedia education compared to before implementation. Conclusion : Based on the results of the current study; all research hypothesis could be accepted. Recommendations : Providing educational programs about the main items of PCOS and its negative effects on reproductive health using different interactive educational modalities.