KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF OBESITY-RELATED FEMALE FERTILITY RISKS AMONG IIUM KUANTAN FEMALE STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity have significant health problems that may lead to the different prevalence of reproductive risks among women. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of obesity-related female reproductive risks among IIUM Kuantan female students. Methods: A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was conducted in the International Islamic University Malaysia Kuantan Campus involving students from six faculties. An online survey questionnaire consisting of 3 sections; (1) socio-demographic background, (2) knowledge and awareness of obesity, (3) awareness on obesity-related female reproductive risks, was completed by 98 female students in their reproductive age (18 to 35 years old). Results: The data were analyzed using SPSS IBM Statistics 22 for the descriptive analysis and Spearman's correlation analysis. The data shows that 70% of the respondents have a high knowledge of general obesity. Most respondents 42 (42.9%) have a moderate awareness of obesity-related female reproductive risks. A total of 27 respondents (27.6%) had a high awareness level, 42 respondents (42.9%) had a moderate level of awareness, and 29 respondents (29.65%) had a low awareness level of obesity-related female reproductive risks. There is a moderate positive correlation between the knowledge of obesity and awareness of obesity-related female reproductive risks is (r=0.536, p value <0.01). Conclusion: Most participants were knowledgeable and aware of the cardiometabolic risk factor of obesity. However, the level of awareness of obesity-related reproductive risks was low among participants. Thus, public education is necessary to increase understanding and awareness of the reproductive risk and consequences of obesity toward female reproductive risks.