Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Undergraduates of a Rural Women Medical College in India

Abstract Introduction: This study was conducted to estimate the magnitude and associated factors of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome amongst undergraduates of a rural medical college in Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: This institution-based study was conducted amongst randomly selected 362 medical undergraduates. Diagnosis of PCOS was based on Rotterdam criteria. The data were collected on a pre-tested semi-structured pro forma, and blood samples from all participants were collected to assess biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism. Analysis was done using software R, version 4.2.1. Results: The proportion of PCOS was 15.2%. A significant association was found between lifestyle factors (obesity, lack of physical activity and diet) and PCOS. Multiple logistic regression analysis shows that irregular menses, hirsutism, raised testosterone and raised dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate remained significant predictors of PCOS. Conclusion: PCOS screening amongst female medical undergraduates could provide an opportunity to target the group for promoting healthy lifestyles and early interventions.