INTRODUCTION:

Women and children are our Nation’s greatest assets. Health of the women is the basis for the better health of the family as well as of the nation. Women have the highest stake in the reproduction due to their unique biological role. A woman can give healthy baby to the family and to the nation only when she is healthy and has good reproductive health¹.

Women's health is considered to be the backbone of the society. Reproductive tract infections are one among the major causes of morbidity in women. The women of reproductive age group are most likely to get these infections. There are 58, 64, 69,174 women in India as per recent census, out of which 48.9% are in reproductive age group. Hence there is a growing recognition that morbidity related to reproductive tract is the important health issue among women in India²

Leucorrhea is a condition that does not have a sudden acute onset. It refers to a general toxic condition of the female genital system. It may affect one or more organs of the female reproductive system. Whenever there is an abnormal accumulation of toxins in the body because of unhealthy eating habits, organs like the kidney, bowels and skin find it difficult to expel these toxins from the body. As a result, the body tries to expel these toxins in the form of foul smelling and thick vaginal discharge. In chronic leucorrhea, the vaginal discharge may be white, yellow or even greenish and accompanied by pus^.3

Leucorrhoea occurs in 1-14% of all the women in the reproductive age group and is responsible for 5-10 million OPD visits per year throughout the world^.The prevalence of excessive vaginal discharge in India is estimated to be 30%. (M.L. Mincy)¹⁹ Exclusive community based studies on leucorrhoea are far and scanty. The previous literature shows the high incidence of leucorrhoea among reproductive age group women. Leucorrhoea may lead to certain life threatening diseases like cervical cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease.⁴

WHO estimates that each year there are over 340 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections reported in which 75-85% occur in developing countries. In India alone, 40 million new cases emerge each year. About 5,29,828 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 2,60,000 deaths occurring every year globally. Annual incidence of pelvic inflammatory diseases is 10-13 per 1000 women of reproductive age group (Global Prevalence of Cervical Cancer).⁵ Hence awareness regarding leucorrhoea is needed to reveal the problem and which will be helpful in early detection and treatment of these diseases.

Majority of the women deal with home remedies as a treatment for gynaecological disorders and initially preferred before doctor treatment. Moreover, in every neighbourhood, there are a number of elderly women who are self-proclaimed experts in indigenous treatment for gynaecological morbidity and dispense treatment to everybody who seeks their advice. Since, women consult them for treatment of their reproductive tract infections only when the problem becomes too acute, services of hospital or professional help is sought. However, first of all, the village health worker or a non-qualified private medical practitioner in the village is consulted.⁶

Besides the numerous culinary uses, coriander seeds contain important vitamins and minerals, essential for a healthy living. It helps to cure ulcer, inflammation, spasm and acts as anti-carcinogenic, anticonvulsant, antihistamine and hypnotic. It also contains many plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, digestive, carminative, anti-flatulent properties of the seeds, disease preventing, and health promoting properties.

Coriander seeds have health supporting reputation i.e. high on list of healing spices. In part of Europe, coriander has traditionally been referred to as ‘anti-diabetic’ plant in parts of India, it has traditionally been used for its anti-inflammatory properties. In United States, coriander has recently been studied for its cholesterol-lowering effects. As in other spices, coriander is also rich in dietary fiber. The seeds are an excellent source of minerals like iron, vitamin A, K and C, folic acid, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium.⁷

Coriander can cause some side effects including allergic reactions and increased sensitivity to the sun. Increased sensitivity to the sun may put women at greater risk for sunburns and skin cancer. Avoiding sunlight, wearing sunblock and protective clothing outside may resolve this problem. It may also lead to severe diarrhea, stomach pain, darkened skin, depression, lapse of menstruation, and dehydration in a women, if taken 200 mL of a 10% coriander extract for 7 days.⁸

KK Trollope (2012) conducted a descriptive study using cross-sectional approach to assess the prevalence of leucorrhoea among reproductive age group (15-49 years) women in selected rural community in Sarjapur. Total 210 women were selected as sample by using simple random sampling. Pre-Structured Performa was used to elicit baseline variables and checklist was used to collect necessary information regarding prevalence of leucorrhoea. This study shows the higher prevalence of leucorrhoea i.e. 51.9%. The study concluded that there is a need of health education regarding leucorrhoea identification and promotion of personal hygiene.⁹

Linda Mc Gowa (2008) conducted a community-based survey to investigate the risk factors of the complaint of vaginal discharge in Goa, India. Among 3000 women, 2494 women (83%) were selected by simple random sampling method. Semi-Structured interview was taken with trained researcher and gynaecological examination was done. The findings inferred that 14.5% complained of having an abnormal vaginal discharge. Use of contraceptive device was independently associated with complaint. Low literacy and age >40 years were associated with reduced risk of leucorrhoea. The study findings concluded that stress was the most common causal attribution for the complaint.¹⁰

P.V, Tewari, Neelam (2001) conducted a three year Study of Lukol in Leucorrhoea, Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases and Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding at the Sardar Patel Memorial Hospital, Bilaspur. Leucorrhoea and dysfunctional uterine bleeding are very common and significant clinical manifestations seen by the researchers in their study. During this period, total of sixty cases were taken as sample after a complete detailed investigation. Lukol 2 tablets thrice a day were administered orally and reviewed after 15 days. The response was assessed on the basis of symptomatic improvement. Lukol has shown efficacy in symptomatic relief in these conditions. This study provides evidence of astringent and antiseptic effect of lukol.¹¹

OBJECTIVES:

1. To assess the prevalence of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years).

2. To assess the pre-test degree of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years).

3. To assess the post-test degree of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years).

4. To find out the effectiveness of coriander seeds water on leucorrhoea by comparing pre-test and post-test degree of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years).

5. To find out relationship of pre-test and post-test degree of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years) with selected demographic variables such as age of women (in years), marital status, diet, duration of leucorrhoea (in months), frequency of occurrence of leucorrhoea, previous history of reproductive tract infections, previous treatment for leucorrhoea and source of information related to leucorrhoea.

6. To prepare the guidelines for women (15-45 years) to prevent and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhoea based on findings of study.

HYPOTHESIS:

H₁: There will be significant difference between pre-test and post-test degree of leucorrhoea among women.

H₀₁:There will be no significant difference between pre test and post test degree of leucorrhoea among women.

H₂:There will be significant relationship between pre test and post test degree of leucorrhoea with selected demographic variables such as age of woman (in years), marital status, diet, duration of leucorrhoea (in months), frequency of occurrence of leucorrhoea, previous history of reproductive tract infections, previous treatment for leucorrhoea and source of information related to leucorrhoea.

H₀₂:There will be no significant relationship between pre test and post test degree of leucorrhoea with selected demographic variables such as age of woman (in years), marital status, diet, duration of leucorrhoea (in months), frequency of occurrence of leucorrhoea, previous history of reproductive tract infections, previous treatment for leucorrhoea and source of information related to leucorrhoea.

METHODOLOGY:

Research approach:

A quantitative research approach was adopted to accomplish the objectives of the study that was to assess the effectiveness of coriander seeds water on Leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years) residing in selected rural areas of District Ludhiana (Punjab).

Research design:

A Pre-Experimental one group pre-test post-test design was used in this study to achieve the objectives.

Group Pre test Intervention Post test

1 O1 X O2

Research setting:

The present final study was conducted in two selected villages Pandori and Raqba of District Ludhiana (Punjab). The Pandori village has total population 700 out of which women between 15-45 years were 254 and Raqba village has total population 900 out of which women between 15-45 years were 495. The distance between both villages is 3 kilometers. The villages are at Raikot Road which is at the distance of 15 km from SKSS College of Nursing, Sarabha.

Study Population:

The accessible population for the study consisted of all the women (15-45 years) residing in villages i.e. Pandori and Raqba of District Ludhiana (Punjab).

Sampling Technique:

Quota sampling technique was used to select the sample for assessing the effectiveness of coriander seeds water on leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years of age). So, in this study, researcher fixed the member of quota i.e. 60 from selected stratum i.e. 15-45 years reproductive age group women.

Sample:

In this study, sample comprised of 60 women (15-45 years) residing in selected villages i.e. Pandori and Raqba of District Ludhiana (Punjab). N = 60

Development and Description of tool:

Part 1: Consists of socio demographic data of women which includes age of woman (in years), marital status, diet, duration of leucorrhoea (in months), frequency of occurrence of leucorrhoea, previous history of reproductive tract infections, previous treatment for leucorrhoea and source of information related to leucorrhoea.

Part 2: Consists of self structured assessment criteria for subjective parameter to find out the degree of leucorrhoea which includes 6 items.

Criterion measurement

Total score: 24

Degree of leucorrhoea	Score
None	>6
Mild	7 – 12
Moderate	13 – 15
Severe	>15

Content validity of the tool:

The content validity of tool was determined by expert’s opinion on the relevance of items. After the construction of preliminary draft, the tool was given to experts from Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing, Community Health Nursing specialties. At the time of construction of tool, there were total 16 items and after taking suggestions from experts, these items were increased to 24. So, tool was finalized with 24 items and distracters were changed according to suggestions.

Reliability of the tool:

Reliability was computed by using Spearman Rank Correlation formula. The value was 0.95 and hence, the tool was found to be highly reliable.

Data collection procedure:

The study was conducted after the approval from dissertation committee of S.K.S.S. CON Sarabha. Written permission was sought from Sarpanches of selected villages Pandori and Raqba of District Ludhiana (Punjab) to conduct the research study and written consent was obtained from selected women (15-45 years) prior to their participation in the research study. They were free to decide to step out of the study at any time according to their will. The purpose of the study and voluntary nature of study was explained to the participants. Confidentiality of the information obtained from women was maintained by researcher.

The researcher selected the women 15-45 years of age for study. Firstly, pre test was conducted. The data was collected by self structured assessment criteria for subjective parameters to find out the degree of leucorrhoea. Sixty women were taken for the study. Coriander seeds water was given on empty stomach on each morning to selected women for 8 days. During data collection, they were assured that their responses would be kept confidential and used only for research purpose. On 9^th day, by using self structured assessment criteria, post test was conducted in morning but on this day, no coriander seeds water was given

Plan of data analysis:

The analysis of data was done in accordance with objectives. The data analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics. For example: calculating mean, standard deviation, t test, ‘Z ‘ test and ANOVA test for finding relationship between effectiveness of coriander seeds water on leucorrhoea with selected demographic variables to find the significant difference in assessment of degree of leucorrhoea. The level of significance was set as p£0.01 level.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

The first objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years). The findings revealed that out of 749 women, 90.65% had no leucorrhoea (£6), 4.41% had mild leucorrhoea (7-12); 3.60% had moderate leucorrhoea (13-15) and remaining 1.34% were having severe leucorrhoea (>15).

The second objective of the study was to assess the pre-test degree of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years). The findings revealed percentage distribution of women according to pre test degree of leucorrhoea. Women who had mild leucorrhoea were 55% and moderate leucorrhoea were 45%. Hence, it was concluded that in pre test, maximum number of women (15-45 years) had mild degree of leucorrhoea.

The third objective was to assess the post-test degree of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years). The findings revealed percentage distribution of women according to post test degree of leucorrhoea. Women who had no leucorrhoea were 56.67% and mild leucorrhoea were 43.33%. Hence, it was concluded that maximum number of women had cured from leucorrhoea in post test which reveals that coriander seeds water is effective in treating leucorrhoea.

The fourth objective was to find out the effectiveness of coriander seeds water on leucorrhoea by comparing pre-test and post-test degree of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years). The findings revealed that mean pre test score of leucorrhoea was 11.35 and post test mean score of leucorrhoea was 6.81. The difference between mean pre test and post test score for degree of leucorrhoea was found to be statistically highly statistically significant at p£0.01 level. Hence, research hypothesis is accepted and null hypothesis is rejected. Thus, the coriander seeds water is effective in reducing the degree of leucorrhoea among women residing in selected in rural areas.

The fifth objective was to find out relationship of pre-test and post-test degree of leucorrhoea among women (15-45 years) with selected demographic variables such as age of woman (in years), marital status, diet, duration of leucorrhoea (in months), frequency of occurrence of leucorrhoea, previous history of reproductive tract infections, previous treatment for leucorrhoea and source of information related to leucorrhoea.

Based on age of woman (15-45 years), mean pre test score of leucorrhoea was highest i.e. 13.44 among women within the age group of 39-45 years followed by 13 within age group of 33-38 years; 11.93 within age group of 27-32 years; 10.09 within age group of 21-26 years and 9.75 within age of group of 15-20 years. Whereas mean post test score of leucorrhoea was highest i.e. 7.71 among women within age group of 33-38 years followed by 7.44 within age group of 39-45 years: 6.93 within age group of 27-32 years; 6.5 within age group of 15-20 years and lowest i.e. 6.28 within age group of 21-26 years. Hence, it was concluded that age of woman (in years) had an impact on degree of leucorrhoea.

On the basis of marital status, mean pre test score of leucorrhoea was highest 14.5 for divorce/separated/ widow followed by 11.6 for married and lowest 9.88 for unmarried. Whereas mean post test score of leucorrhoea was also highest 8.67 for divorce/separated/widow followed by 6.77 for married and lowest 6.31 for unmarried. Hence, it was concluded that marital status had an impact on degree of leucorrhoea.

Based on diet, mean pre test score of leucorrhoea for vegetarian diet was maximum i.e. 11.86 and for non vegetarian was 10.83 whereas mean post test score of leucorrhoea for non vegetarian diet was highest i.e. 6.96 and for vegetarian was 6.66. Thus, it was concluded that diet had no impact on degree of leucorrhoea.

Based on duration of leucorrhoea (in months), mean pre test score for duration of leucorrhoea was highest i.e. 13.62 for between 10-14 months followed by 12.53 for more than 14 months; 11 for between 5-9 months and lowest i.e. 9.9 for between 0-4 months whereas mean post test score for duration of leucorrhoea was highest i.e. 8.12 for between 10-14 months followed by 7 for between 5-9 months; 6.94 for more than 14 months and lowest i.e. 6.09 for between 0-4 months. So, it was concluded that duration of leucorrhoea had an impact on degree of leucorrhoea.

On the basis of frequency of occurrence of leucorrhoea, mean pre test score of leucorrhoea was maximum i.e. 12.95 for repetitive and minimum i.e. 10.48 for first time whereas mean post test score of leucorrhoea was maximum i.e. 7.42 for repetitive and minimum i.e. 6.48 for first time. Hence, it was concluded that frequency of occurrence of leucorrhoea had an impact on degree of leucorrhoea.

On the basis of mean previous history of reproductive tract infections, mean pre test score of leucorrhoea was maximum i.e. 12.77 for its presence and minimum i.e. 10.73 for its absence whereas mean post test score of leucorrhoea was maximum i.e. 7.44 for its presence and minimum i.e. 6.54 for its absence. Thus, it was concluded that previous history of reproductive tract infections had an impact on degree of leucorrhoea.

On the basis of previous treatment for leucorrhoea, mean pre test mean score of leucorrhoea for previous treatment for leucorrhoea was maximum i.e. 13.05 and who had not taken it was minimum i.e. 10.67 whereas mean post test score of leucorrhoea for previous treatment for leucorrhoea was maximum i.e. 7.58 and had not taken it was minimum i.e. 6.51. Thus, it was concluded that previous treatment for leucorrhoea had an impact on degree of leucorrhoea.

Based on source of information related to leucorrhoea, mean pre test score of leucorrhoea was highest i.e. 13.33 for T.V./radio/newspaper/magazine followed by 11.47 for friends/family members and lowest i.e. 10.98 for health personnel whereas mean post test score of leucorrhoea was highest i.e. 8.5 for T.V./radio/ newspaper/ magazine followed by 6.76 for friends/ family members and lowest i.e. 6.56 for health personnel. Thus, it was concluded that source of information related to leucorrhoea had an impact on degree of leucorrhoea.

CONCLUSION:

The degree of leucorrhoea was mild and moderate before administering coriander seeds water but it was shifted to none and mild degree of leucorrhoea after imparting the coriander seeds water to selected women. The difference between mean pre test and post test score for degree of leucorrhoea was found to be statistically highly significant at p≤0.01 level. That shows the effectiveness of coriander seeds water in treating leucorrhoea. Age of woman (15-45 years), marital status, duration of leucorrhoea, (in months), frequency of occurrence of leucorrhoea, previous history of reproductive tract infections, previous treatment for leucorrhoea and source of information related to leucorrhoea had significant impact on leucorrhoea.

REFERENCES:

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7. Coriander seeds nutritious facts.http://www.nutrition- and -you.com/coriander-seeds.html.

8. Are There Side Effects of Coriander. http://www.seedguides.info/coriander/

9. K.K. Trollope. The Prevalence of Leucorrhoea among reproductive age group women in selected rural area in Sarjapur. Indian Journal of Community Medicine: 2009: 34: 62-4.

10. Linda Mc Gowa. Risk Factors For Vaginal Discharge among Married Women in Goa, India.E.pub.2008:34(4)Aug:853-62

11. PV. Tewari, Neelam. A study of Lukol in leucorrhoea, pelvic inflammatory diseases and dysfunctional uterine bleeding-Ancient Science of life (2001):XXI (2),139-149.

Received on 28.12.2016 Modified on 01.01.2017

Int. J. Nur. Edu. and Research. 2017; 5(3): 263-268.

DOI: 10.5958/2454-2660.2017.00054.0