Research undertaken as part of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), The Maldives National University (MNU), has resulted in a journal publication examining knowledge and awareness of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) among MNU undergraduate students.
The research article, titled “Knowledge and Awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Its Determinants Among Undergraduates Aged 18–45 at the Maldives National University,” was authored by Bachelor of Physiotherapy graduate Aishath Rifa Rasheed and Ammar Suhail, Lecturer at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, FHS. The article was published in The Maldives National Journal of Research, Volume 13, Issue 1, on 31 July 2025.
The study originated as a research project undertaken within the Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme, demonstrating how research integrated into undergraduate education can progress beyond programme requirements to scholarly publication. The publication reflects the role of student research in developing research skills and contributing evidence on health issues relevant to the university community.
Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, the study examined PCOS knowledge and awareness among 305 MNU undergraduate students and achieved an 85% response rate. Stratified probability sampling was used to recruit participants, with data collected between May and August 2024.
The study reported an overall PCOS knowledge score of 62.3%, indicating a moderate but insufficient level of understanding among participants. Knowledge was highest in relation to symptoms, at 67.8%, while lower levels of knowledge were observed for risk factors, at 58.7%, and long-term complications, at 50.7%. Field of study and marital status were significantly associated with PCOS awareness.
The findings also provide insight into how students obtain health information. Social media was identified as a source of PCOS information by 65.4% of participants, while 64.9% reported healthcare professionals as a source. The findings highlight areas where targeted reproductive health education could strengthen students’ understanding of PCOS, including its risk factors and long-term health implications.
The progression of programme-based student research to journal publication demonstrates the integration of research and teaching within FHS and provides students with opportunities to contribute to scholarly knowledge. It also adds locally generated evidence to the understanding of reproductive health awareness among university students.
The research contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being through its focus on reproductive health knowledge and awareness, and SDG 4: Quality Education through the integration of research within undergraduate health professions education.
The full article is available through this link https://mnjr.mnu.edu.mv/journal/article/view/203
