Knowledge of obesity and its effects on cardiometabolic and reproductive health in women

Background: Obesity is following a raising trend in India. Being a major risk factor for various diseases, awareness should be raised among people regarding this issue. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge of obesity and its ill effects on cardio metabolic and reproductive health in women.Methods: This was a prospective survey study done on women visiting gynecology OPD at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital. 300 Subjects were randomly picked and were administered a questionnaire on the health risks of obesity, that is,  its effect on cardio metabolic status, reproductive outcome in terms of infertility and spontaneous abortions and obesity related cancers such as endometrial and breast cancers.  Height and weight measurements of the study subjects were measured.Results: Subjects' age ranged from 19 to 47 years (mean SD: 28.72 ± 6.52). subjects who were aware that obesity increases the risk of various diseases were: diabetes  (85.3% ) ,  blood pressure (88.7%), raised cholesterol levels in the blood(90.7%), infertility (84%), irregular periods (62%), abortions (44%),arthritis (86.7% ),  breast cancer (36%) , endometrial cancer (36.7% ).Conclusions: Women in our study have good knowledge about obesity and its effect on general health and cardio metabolic diseases, fair knowledge about reproductive outcomes. They are less aware of the association of obesity and sex hormone sensitive cancers like endometrial and breast cancers.  Public education is needed to increase awareness of obesity and malignancy

Knowledge about menstrual cup and its usage among medical students

Background: Menstrual cups have been available for decades, but their use in India is limited because of lack of awareness and popularity of sanitary pads. Since they are reusable, they reduce solid waste and are environment friendly. The need of the hour is education, awareness, and availability of the eco-friendly practices when it comes to managing menstrual waste effectively. Once that is taken care of, it will be easy for anyone to make a green switch.Methods: A total 400 medical undergraduate students (females) were given a questionnaire. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge about the menstrual cup among students.Results: Among 400 medical students, 28(7%) of them dint know what a menstrual cup was! 262(70.4%) students were for usage of menstrual cup in virgins. There was no clear picture among students regarding material used in cup manufacture, its emptying time and sterilisation technique. Among 372 students, none of them used a menstrual cup.Conclusions: All the students in the study used sanitary pads, owing to its popularity and promotion. There was lack of awareness about the cup. So, we conclude that menstrual cup needs promotion in India. To boost the adoption rate of menstrual cups, youth should be targeted, who are more open to the idea of environment-friendly products. The Government must conduct awareness programs in the rural areas and work constantly spreading the message across all socio-economic sectors so that we can make the dream of a “pad free country”, a reality soon

Knowledge of obesity and its effects on cardiometabolic and reproductive health in women

Background: Obesity is following a raising trend in India. Being a major risk factor for various diseases, awareness should be raised among people regarding this issue. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge of obesity and its ill effects on cardio metabolic and reproductive health in women. Methods: This was a prospective survey study done on women visiting gynecology OPD at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital. 300 Subjects were randomly picked and were administered a questionnaire on the health risks of obesity, that is, its effect on cardio metabolic status, reproductive outcome in terms of infertility and spontaneous abortions and obesity related cancers such as endometrial and breast cancers. Height and weight measurements of the study subjects were measured. Results: Subjects age ranged from 19 to 47 years (mean SD: 28.72 +/- 6.52). subjects who were aware that obesity increases the risk of various diseases were: diabetes (85.3% ) , blood pressure (88.7%), raised cholesterol levels in the blood(90.7%), infertility (84%), irregular periods (62%), abortions (44%),arthritis (86.7% ), breast cancer (36%) , endometrial cancer (36.7% ). Conclusions: Women in our study have good knowledge about obesity and its effect on general health and cardio metabolic diseases, fair knowledge about reproductive outcomes. They are less aware of the association of obesity and sex hormone sensitive cancers like endometrial and breast cancers. Public education is needed to increase awareness of obesity and malignancy. [Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol 2016; 5(1.000): 143-147