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. 2024 Sep 2;21(9):1165.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph21091165.

Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Its Associated Risk Factors among Medical Students in Two Countries

Gulam Saidunnisa Begum  1 , Noor Alhuda Talal Almashaikhi  2 , Maryam Yousuf Albalushi  2 , Hajar Mohammed Alsalehi  2 , Rayan Salih Alazawi  2 , Bellary Kuruba Manjunatha Goud  3 , Rajani Dube  4
Affiliations

Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Its Associated Risk Factors among Medical Students in Two Countries

Gulam Saidunnisa Begum et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: PCOS, a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, affects fertility and increases the risks of other diseases. Early detection, risk factor assessment, and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire at two medical colleges in the UAE and Oman. The first study (UAE) results are already published. Here, we present the findings of the second study (Oman) and compare them.

Results and discussion: The prevalence of PCOS was 4.6% (n = 7) in Oman and 27.6% (n = 69) in the UAE using the NIH criteria. The most common symptoms were irregular periods, acne, and thinning of hair. Students showed acne as the most prevalent symptom of clinical hyperandrogenism. Omani students showed significantly more acne [70.1% (n = 108) vs. 41.6% (n = 104)], while Emirati students showed a higher prevalence of hirsutism [32% (n = 80) vs. 23.3% (n = 36)]. A higher number of students had irregular periods 30.8% (77/150) in the UAE, although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of PCOS was significantly higher in Emirati medical students than in Omani students (p < 0.05). The prevalence was also lower among medical students in Oman compared to an unselected population, reported by a study that included all consecutive women between 12 and 45 years of age attending a hospital. An increased trend in unhealthy lifestyle practices was observed in the recent study. Obesity was a strong predictor of PCOS symptoms across the populations in both countries (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The prevalence of PCOS and clinical signs of hyperandrogenism vary significantly between countries in the MENA region. There is a need to identify specific risk factors associated with PCOS in different populations, explore the genetic basis, and undertake collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals from various disciplines to raise awareness about PCOS and its associated risks.

Keywords: PCOS in medical students; complications; obesity and PCOS; polycystic vary syndrome; risk factors of PCOS.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Signs of clinical hyperandrogenism among Omani students.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Details of risk factors of PCOS among MD1 and MD2 students. Risk factors of PCOS are a positive family history of PCOS, high-calorie dietary habits, fast food consumption (>3 times/week), lack of physical exercise (≤3 times/week), being overweight or obese, waist circumference > 80 cm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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