Informatics Publishing Limited

Jayashree Joshi ¹, Shobha Udipi ²

Affiliations
1 Honorary Consultant Women's health & Emeritus Professor, Kasturba Health Society - Medical Research Centre, Vile Parle, Mumbai, IN
2 Honorary Director, Integrative Nutrition and Ayurceuticals, Kasturba Health Society - Medical Research Centre, Vile Parle, Mumbai, IN

Abstract

The persistent high prevalence of anemia in the Indian population is likely to be a major health hazard. Since mild or moderate anemia is often undetected or uncared for, it results in an imperceptible or unrecognized poor quality of life. It increases the risk to health and to life in many cases. This short review is meant to highlight the unsuspected prevalence, and unperceived effects of anemia in the life of millions of Indians. The national health programs cannot succeed to the desired extent unless healthcare providers understand the nature of anemia and the role of iron supplements. This write up is meant to implore all the healthcare givers and the society at large to relook into the health of the community after relinquishing the lower standards of hemoglobin, and to highlight the importance of being watchful for anemia as an associated or primary cause of illness, a multifactorial malady and to start investigating and treating it with due zeal that the Indian population deserves. We hope that with renewed enthusiasm for detection and management of anemia, the health and performance indicators of India will show a respectable increase. The health of a nation is its wealth!

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Beena Joshi ¹, Gazala Hasan ², Gulrez Tyebkhan ³, Shobha Udipi ⁴, Anushree Patil ⁵, Duru Shah ⁶, Madhuri Patil ⁷, Roda Dalal ⁸, Rama Vaidya ⁹

Affiliations
1 Scientist F, Department of Operational Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, IN
2 Senior Research Fellow, Department of Operational Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, IN
3 Hon Consultant Dermatologist, Medical Research Centre-Kasturba Health Society; Hon Dermatologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, IN
4 Hon Director Integrative Nutrition and Ayurceuticals, Medical Research Centre-Kasturba Health Society, Mumbai, IN
5 Scientist D, Department of Clinical Research, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, IN
6 President, PCOS Society, India. Scientific Director, Gynaecworld Assisted Fertility Center, Mumbai, IN
7 Vice-President, PCOS Society, India; Clinical Director, Dr. Patil’s Fertility and Endoscopy Clinic, Bengaluru, IN
8 Hon Editorial Consultant and Communications Associate, Medical Research Centre-Kasturba Health Society, Mumbai, IN
9 Director, Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical Research Centre-Kasturba Health Society, Mumbai, IN

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis is very complex and due to overlapping presentation of symptoms, women with PCOS may approach various practitioners, who might be using varied definitions to diagnose and manage PCOS.

Objectives: To assess knowledge about PCOS diagnosis and management by Dermatologists, Gynecologists, Endocrinologists and Family Physicians (FPs).

Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 529 health care providers (HCPs) practicing in Mumbai metropolitan region using a convenient sample. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was filled by the HCPs after obtaining informed consent. Pearson’s Chi-square test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to study the differences within each group.

Results: All HCPs reported that women with PCOS consulted them with a varied spectrum of symptoms. Among FPs, Allopaths had better knowledge about diagnosis and Homeopaths were more confident about PCOS management. Among Specialists, Endocrinologists were more stringent in diagnosing cases as per defined criteria, along with screening and comprehensive management of the metabolic syndrome. Although the need for multidisciplinary management was perceived, in practice holistic management was not common.

Conclusions: This study reveals the need for training and disseminating algorithms for comprehensive PCOS management across disciplines. It highlights women’s preferences in seeking health care for symptom complex of PCOS. These findings would help health policymakers to develop community-based awareness modules and India-specific management guidelines for early screening and a continuum of care for PCOS patients.

Keywords

Polycystic ovary syndrome, healthcare providers, knowledge assessment, practice, management

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