Effect of Educational Guidelines on Knowledge, Self-Protective Behavior and Quality of Life of Female Nursing Students regarding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Worldwide, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 12%-21% of reproductive
age women including nursing students. In this regard, female nursing students should have
accurate knowledge and be aware of their self-protective behavior, as the disease can interfere
with their overall health and quality of life. Limited studies exist on this area. Aim of this study
was to evaluate the effect of educational guidelines on knowledge, self-protective behavior, and
quality of life of female nursing students regarding polycystic ovary syndrome. Subjects and
Method: Design: A quasi experimental research design was used to conduct this study. Setting:
The study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing Tanta University Tanta Egypt. Subjects: A
purposive sample of 108 female nursing students who met the inclusion criteria was included.
Tools of data collection: Tool (I): Structured interview schedule of Bio-socio-demographic data,
and family history. Tool (II): The Ferriman-Gallwey Hirsutism Scale. Tool (III): Structured
interview schedule of nursing students' knowledge, and self-protective behavior regarding
polycystic ovary syndrome. Tool (IV): Modified Arabic Version of Quality of Life of Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome Scale of Unmarried Women. Results: A statistically significant relation was
found between knowledge, self-protective behavior, and quality of life of female nursing students'
regarding polycystic ovary syndrome (r= 0.551, p <0.001, r= -0.506, p <0.001 and r= -0.620, p
<0.001) respectively) after implementation of the educational guidelines. Conclusion:
Implementation the educational guidelines resulted in significant improvements of knowledge,
self-protective behavior and quality of life of female nursing students' who have polycystic ovary
syndrome. Recommendations: This study recommends implementation of evidence-based up-todate educational guidelines and programs regarding polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as further
research should be done in order to improve quality of life of women who have polycystic ovary
syndrome