A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AWARENESS AMONG THIRD YEAR FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES FROM THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND PHARMACY DEGREE PROGRAMS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS ON COMORBIDITIES OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a female reproductive disorder characterized by hormonal imbalances, which can result in a variety of comorbidities. In the Philippine setting, there is an evident lack of literature regarding PCOS, which necessitates a study that explores the present status of the aforementioned aspect. Due to this, the aim of the study is to establish a statistical significance on the comparison between the awareness on PCOS comorbidities of two health allied student groups: female students of the Medical Technology and Pharmacy programs and to contribute to lack of local PCOS studies.

METHODOLOGY
The research employed an online dissemination of the designed 5-point Likert scale questionnaire to gauge the awareness of the intended respondents. The statistical analysis utilized an F-test followed by a two sample T-test assuming equal variances.

RESULTS
The main findings of the study are as follows: both student groups were generally aware of PCOS comorbidities, however, a low level of awareness on cardiovascular diseases and Insulin Resistance was observed. In contrast the population had a high level of awareness regarding reproductive disorders.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there is no significant difference between the level of awareness of PCOS among reproductive-aged female students from the Medical Technology degree program to the female students from the Pharmacy degree program