AWARENESS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME AND LIFESTYLE BEHAVIOR AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS: A STUDY FROM UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) poses a significant challenge in contemporary medicine, with its prevalence on the rise despite limited understanding and awareness.This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of PCOS among undergraduate medical students and explore the lifestyle behaviors of female medical students.A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2023 among undergraduate medical students across all years.An anonymous semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to collect demographic data, assess awareness of PCOS, and explore lifestyle behaviors associated with the syndrome.Ethical approval was obtained from the local institutional review board and informed written consent was secured from participants.Statistical analyses, including T-tests and ANOVA, were employed to compare means between groups.A total of 233 students participated, comprising 164 females (70.4%) and 64 males (27.5%).The majority (69.9%) of students were aware of menstrual cycle irregularities, while 67.8% recognized hormonal imbalance as a risk factor.Notably, 44.6% were aware of endometrial cancer as a potential complication, and 48.5% understood the psychological ramifications of binge eating disorder.Additionally, 66.5% of students acknowledged the role of regular exercise in PCOS prevention.Regarding lifestyle behaviors, 70.7% of females reported regular consumption of junk food, while 56.1% engaged in regular exercise.The study identified gaps in knowledge regarding PCOS among undergraduate medical students, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and education.Lifestyle modifications, including dietary habits and stress management, are essential for enhancing understanding and promoting preventive strategies among medical students