DefinePK

Research Objective

To determine the incidence, awareness, and association of lifestyle modalities with symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries (PCOS) among females of two institutes.

Methodology

A pilot study based survey was conducted at the University of Karachi and Bahria University, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was designed, validated, and distributed using convenient sampling after obtaining ethical approval. SPSS analysis was used for data analysis.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Ethical Approval"] --> B["Questionnaire Design & Validation"];
    B --> C["Questionnaire Distribution - Convenient Sampling"];
    C --> D["Data Collection"];
    D --> E["SPSS Analysis"];
    E --> F["Results Interpretation"];
    F --> G["Discussion & Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that approximately 100% of diagnosed PCOS cases reported menstrual irregularities, with a significant proportion also experiencing acne and hirsutism. PCOS is perceived as a cause of infertility, leading to psychological stress. The age group of 15-25 years is particularly affected. While doctors are seen as a suitable source of information for PCOS sufferers, the internet is preferred by non-PCOS females. Lifestyle factors such as chicken consumption, lack of exercise, unhealthy sleeping habits, passive smoking, and plastic usage are strongly associated with PCOS symptoms.

Key Findings

- 4.6% of the 196 respondents were diagnosed with PCOS, and 26% of non-PCOS individuals were considered vulnerable cases due to exhibiting two of the three criterion symptoms (menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, acne).
- PCOS females were predominantly between 21-25 years old, lean, exercised regularly, consumed poultry, slept late, and used plastics in daily routines.
- Females susceptible to PCOS significantly exhibited criterion symptoms associated with poultry consumption, passive smoking, and regular plastic usage.
- 70% of non-PCOS females were aware of PCOS, but knowledge about symptomatic, diagnostic, and treatment aspects was less prevalent.
- 61.5% of females associated PCOS with infertility.

Conclusion

Imparting awareness about etiological factors, symptomatology, and lifestyle triggers can empower females to self-monitor and reduce their risk of PCOS by avoiding plastics and smoking, and by incorporating weight management into their lifestyle.

Fact Check

- Incidence of PCOS: The study found that 4.6% of the surveyed females were diagnosed with PCOS.
- Age group prevalence: The study indicated that PCOS cases were predominantly found in the 21-25 years age group (44.4%).
- Awareness in non-PCOS females: 70% of non-PCOS females reported being aware of the disease.

Mind Map