Prevalence and Associated Factors of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among Students in Pantnagar Area of Northern India

The cross sectional community based study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and its associated factors among college going girls (20-30 years) residing in hostels of U.S. Nagar district of Northern India. The data on 250 subjects was obtained using self-designed pre-tested questionnaires during March to June 2018. Information was collected on menstrual and clinical history, dietary history, physical activity parameters and general information of subjects. The data was presented in percentages; chi square analysis, correlation analysis and rate ratio was also used to analyze the association between dependent and independent variables. The results showed that the prevalence of PCOS was 6% as evaluated by clinical diagnostic tool used in the questionnaire. A total of 18.4% subjects reported variable or long menstrual cycles, 6% subjects reported less than 9 menses annually and 7.2% subjects reported irregular menses with weight gain. A significant association was found between PCOS and high body mass index values and sedentary physical activity level. It was found that overweight and obese subjects have seven times higher risk of developing PCOS as compared to underweight and normal individuals. Also subjects with sedentary physical activity level have eight times higher risk of developing PCOS as compared to their counterparts with moderate physical activity. No strong association was found between PCOS and fast food consumption. The study concluded that body mass index and physical activity level of subjects were associated with poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using rate ratio as a tool. The study results indicate the need to conduct large study on PCOS in India.