Knowledge and Perception of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Nurses Working at the La General Hospital Accra

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the fourth gynecological disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The immediate cause of this syndrome is unknown however, abnormal hormonal levels, lifestyle factors are contributing factors to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is estimated that over 116 million are affected with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the year 2012 worldwide. The Rotterdam criterion is the most common criteria used to diagnose the disease. Any patient presenting any two of these features that is dysfunctional ovulation, hormonal disorder and polycystic ovarian morphology is diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome increases risk to metabolic disorders which are the leading cause of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Long term complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes are found in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Their unborn children suffer complications such as fetal macrosomia, small-for –gestational age and perinatal mortality. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with the level of knowledge and perceptions on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among nurses at the La General Hospital, Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working at the La General Hospital Accra, Ghana. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions were adopted in this survey. Results was analyzed using stata version 15 and presented as mean, standard deviations, percentages, chi-square and ordinal logistic regression. All statistical tests performed were at a significance level of 5%. Results: 142 nurses participated in the survey out of which 101(71 %) were females. The mean age was 31.07(0.49). Fifty-one percent thus seventy-three were unaware of the condition. The main sources of information to nurses were the internet and school. Excellent Knowledge level was 25(17.6 %.) Finally, 28(40.6%) of the respondents agreed to the name being confusing, 43(62.3%) said the condition was hereditary and 53% felt anxious about having the condition.

Conclusion

Nurses’ knowledge as well as their awareness on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is low, there is the need to create awareness and intensify knowledge sources to increase Knowledge about the condition. Nurses had a few misconceptions about the condition and these were the condition neither manageable nor hereditary.