Prevalence and associated risk factors of polycystic ovarian disease in professional college going girls of Agra City: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Disease is the most common endocrine disorder among females of reproductive age group. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of PCOS and its associated risk factors in girls of 18-30 years of age, studying in various professional colleges of Agra city.Methods: Sample size for this study was calculated as 1108. Girls from various professional colleges in Agra were approached (n=1280), 36 girls disagreed to give consent and 64 forms were incomplete. 1200 agreed to participate. They were asked to fill up a questionnaire asking details of menstrual cycle and features of hyperandrogenism. Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist and hip circumference were taken. Blood pressure was measured. A probable case was defined as a girl with menstrual irregularity or hirsutism or both. All the probable cases were asked for detailed examination, hormone estimation, and ovarian ultrasonography.Results: Of the 1200 girls, 220(18.30%) had menstrual irregularity, 101(8.40%) had hirsutism, and 65(5.40%) had both menstrual irregularity and hirsutism. After hormonal evaluation and ultrasonography, prevalence of PCOS according to Rotterdam’s criteria was found to be 16.60% .PCOS was found to be significantly associated with socioeconomic status I and II, non-vegetarian diet, snacking, inadequate physical activity, obesity and overweight, central obesity, prehypertension and hypertension, family history of PCOS and self-perceived feeling of disturbed emotional health in girls.Conclusions: An early lifestyle modification and health education among girls is required to reduce PCOS and its complications in girls.