Environmental determinants and PCOS symptoms severity: a cross-sectional study

Health Care Women Int. 2022 Jan-Mar;43(1-3):98-113. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1959590. Epub 2021 Aug 25.

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complicated female disorder worldwide. Researchers conducted a quantitative study to examine multiple environmental determinants contributing to its symptoms severity. Data of 150 PCOS diagnosed women (16 to 45 years) was gathered from private clinics and hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Chi-square, spearman's correlation, and linear regression tests were run. Chicken, fast food and spicy food intake were found to be the significant predictors of PCOS severity (F (1, 148) = 6.903, p = 0.01), (F (1, 148) = 11.400, p = 0.001), and (F (1, 148) = 4.525, p = 0.035) respectively. We also found significant relationships of sedentary lifestyle (p = .034) & BMI (p = 0.025) with PCOS symptoms severity. However, relationship of socioeconomic status (SES) was non-significant with the disease severity. These determinants will direct healthcare professionals in proper management and counseling of PCOS women thus improving their life quality.

MeSH terms

  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / psychology
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Severity of Illness Index