Effectiveness of Self Help Strategies {SHS} for PCOS among Young Adult Girls at Selected Colleges at Chennai-Pilot study report

Abstract

Background: The diverse and complex female endocrine disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 1 in 15 women worldwide, is a major economic health burden that is likely to expand together with obesity. PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) -A hormonal condition that causes cysts to develop around the ovaries and throw ovulation out of sync. It can also lead to infertility. Prevalence of PCOS in Indian adolescents is 9.13%.This draws attention to the issue of early diagnosis in adolescent girls. The main aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Self Help Strategies {SHS} for PCOS among Young Adult Girls. Methods: True experimental pre-test and post-test was obtain for this pilot study to check the feasibility of the effectiveness of SHS among young adult girls with PCOS. An self assessment tool was given to the study participants. The sample size was seven young adults with PCOS.Two group pre test and post test design was used . The Blood investigation (FSH, LHand Blood glucose level, and testosterone), ultrasonogram of pelvis, and BMI was calculated prior to the interventions in both the experimental and control group. Experimental group received SHS and routine care for control group. SHS include mint tea, (includes 50ml of powder boiled in water) diet and exercise that helps in reduce size of the follicles and regulate hormones to normal menstruation. The duration of intervention was one month. The post test in both group was conducted after one month .the results was tabulated and analyses by using SPSS statistical package. Results: The comparison of self assessment mean values(%) in the pre and post test among participants in experimental group showed that the mean value in the pretest was 57.14 as compared to 36.36 in the post test. The difference in the mean value 20.78 was statistically significant (P<0.001). This shows that the SHS was effective and feasibility among girls with PCOS. Conclusion: The interventions strategies in this study, Mint tea, (5gm of dried mint powder boiled in 50ml of water) diet and exercise has a significant effect on hormonal regulation and help to reduce weight. The preliminary findings are encouraging that spearmint has the potential remedies also natural treatment for PCOS.