Effectiveness of an Information, Education, and Communication Package on Knowledge Regarding Lifestyle Modification for Prevention of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Among Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53926/YNJR/0024Keywords:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS, Information Education Communication, IEC package, lifestyle modification, nursing students, knowledge, health education, preventive healthcare, IndiaAbstract
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, with lifestyle modification serving as a cornerstone of prevention and management. Nursing students, as future healthcare providers, require comprehensive knowledge about PCOS prevention strategies to effectively educate and counsel patients. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) package on knowledge regarding lifestyle modification in the prevention of PCOS among nursing students in a selected nursing college in Lucknow, India.
Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was employed. A total of 100 nursing students (25 each from BSc Nursing 1st year, BSc Nursing 2nd year, GNM 1st year, and GNM 2nd year), aged 18-25 years, were selected through probability simple stratified random sampling from a selected nursing college, Lucknow. Data were collected over 10 days using a structured 30-item multiple-choice questionnaire and a 15-item demographic questionnaire. The IEC package consisted of a 45-minute lecture-cum-discussion session delivered via LCD projector. Pre-test was conducted on day 1, the IEC intervention on day 3, and post-test on day 7. Knowledge scores were categorized as poor (1-10), average (11-20), and good (21-30). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and chi-square test.
Results: Pre-test results revealed that 44% of participants had poor knowledge and 56% had average knowledge, with no participants demonstrating good knowledge (mean = 10.83, SD = 2.731). Following the IEC intervention, post-test results showed significant improvement: 5% had poor knowledge, 32% had average knowledge, and 63% had good knowledge (mean = 22.47, SD = 7.168). The mean difference of 11.640 was statistically significant (t = 16.718, p < 0.05), indicating the effectiveness of the IEC package.
Conclusion: The IEC package was highly effective in enhancing nursing students' knowledge regarding lifestyle modification for PCOS prevention. The significant improvement in knowledge scores demonstrates the value of structured educational interventions in preparing nursing students to address PCOS through patient education and counselling. Integration of PCOS-focused educational modules into nursing curricula is recommended to strengthen preventive healthcare delivery.
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