Nutrition Education Intervention for the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Simha Anjana1, Agarwal Shubhi2,* 1Former Student, PG Food Science and Nutrition, Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, India 2Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, India *Corresponding author: Mrs. Shubhi Agarwal, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, #58, Palace Road, Bengaluru-560052, Email id: shubhipals@gmail.com
Online published on 8 August, 2019. Abstract Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that is characterized by hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical), anovulation (chronic) and polycystic ovaries. The intervention study aimed at creating awareness among women with PCOS, improving their nutritional knowledge, attitudes and practices, enhancing their quality of life and physical activity through Nutrition Education Program. Using random sampling technique, 521 respondents were screened and 40 respondents were selected for this study based on the inclusion criteria and were divided into experimental and control group. Majority of the subjects were college students with 19.5 years being the average age of the selected subjects. Various questionnaires were used to elicit the general information, nutritional knowledge, attitudes and practices, information on PCOS, physical activity level and quality of life of subjects. Nutrition education sessions were conducted using various education materials for a period of 2 months with a minimum of 3 sessions per subject through one to one sessions or video conferencing. The statistical analysis of Pre and Post intervention study revealed a significant improvement in the mean scores of Knowledge (81.75 to 97.10) and Attitude (46.60 to 52.95), post intervention. The study helped the subjects in improving their knowledge about the importance of Nutrition in PCOS and instilled a positive attitude which was reflected in the scores of various quality of life dimensions and intensity of physical activity. Top Keywords PCOS, Nutrition Education Program, Knowledge and Attitude, Quality of Life, Physical activity. Top |