Younger age, lower income and higher stress levels linked to increased risk of PCOS, suggests study

Recent study aimed to investigate the associations of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) risk with various factors among women in Saudi Arabia. The research was a cross-sectional study conducted across different regions in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using anonymous, self-administered questionnaires distributed through social media platforms. The study found that factors associated with PCOS risk included age, region of residence, income, weight status, smoking status, presence of chronic conditions, medication and herbal remedy use, and perceived stress. Younger age, lower income, and higher stress levels were linked to an increased risk of PCOS. Additionally, chronic conditions were significantly associated with PCOS diagnosis rates.

Participants' Profile and PCOS Risk Analysis

The participants' profile revealed that most were younger than 30 years, single, urban residents, educated, employed or students, and non-smokers. A significant portion had no chronic illnesses, with an average stress level of 19.71. Regarding PCOS risk, 41.3% were at low risk, 33.3% at suspected risk, 2.9% at high risk, and 22.5% diagnosed with PCOS. The study highlighted the impact of PCOS on women's health, with potential complications like metabolic syndromes, gestational diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Factors Influencing PCOS Risk and Necessary Interventions

Sociodemographic factors like age, region of residence, and income status were significantly associated with PCOS risk. Health behaviors such as smoking were linked to PCOS risk. Furthermore, the presence of chronic physical and psychological conditions, medication use, herbal remedy use, and perceived stress were also associated with PCOS risk. The study emphasized the need for tailored interventions addressing lifestyle, stress, and comorbid disease management to reduce the risk of PCOS and enhance women's health outcomes.

Study Sample Size, Limitations, and Implications

The study had a large and robust sample size of 1,068 women with a high response rate of 95.9%. Limitations included the convenience sample and reliance on self-reported diagnoses for chronic illnesses. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the multifactorial nature of PCOS risk in Saudi women, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers to develop targeted interventions and support strategies for improving women's health and well-being.

Key Points

1. Factors associated with PCOS risk in Saudi women included age, region of residence, income, weight status, smoking status, chronic conditions, medication and herbal remedy use, and perceived stress. Younger age, lower income, and higher stress levels were linked to an increased risk of PCOS, while chronic conditions were significantly associated with PCOS diagnosis rates.

2. Participants in the study were mostly younger than 30 years, single, urban residents, educated, employed or students, and non-smokers. A significant portion had no chronic illnesses, with an average stress level of 19.71. The distribution of PCOS risk among participants was categorized as 41.3% low risk, 33.3% suspected risk, 2.9% high risk, and 22.5% diagnosed with PCOS.

3. Significant sociodemographic factors influencing PCOS risk included age, region of residence, and income status, while health behaviors like smoking were also associated with increased PCOS risk. Chronic physical and psychological conditions, medication use, herbal remedy use, and perceived stress played a role in PCOS risk, indicating the complex interplay of various factors in PCOS development.

4. The study emphasized the importance of tailored interventions addressing lifestyle modifications, stress management, and comorbid disease management to reduce PCOS risk and improve women's health outcomes. This highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to address the multifactorial nature of PCOS and its potential complications like metabolic syndromes, gestational diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

5. The research had a robust sample size of 1,068 women with a high response rate of 95.9%, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing PCOS risk among Saudi women. Limitations included the convenience sample and reliance on self-reported diagnoses for chronic illnesses, indicating potential bias in the findings.

6. The study's findings have implications for healthcare professionals and policymakers in Saudi Arabia, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and support strategies to mitigate PCOS risk and enhance women's overall health and well-being. Understanding the multifaceted nature of PCOS risk is crucial for developing effective public health initiatives and personalized healthcare interventions for Saudi women.

Reference –

E. Alenzi et al. (2024). Risk Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Population-Based Analysis Of Sociodemographic Factors, Healthcare Access, Health Behaviors, And Health Status. *BMC Women'S Health*, 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03446-9.