A COMMUNITY BASED CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) AND HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PAKISTANI FEMALES

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder and its symptoms exist in most of young females. In Pakistan, PCOS diagnosis is being reported at an alarming rate, however the frequency of early diagnosis is very low. Objective of this community based study was to find out prevalence of PCOS related symptomology based on Rotterdam criteria in Punjab district of Pakistan. Moreover, the relationship between health status and PCO related quality of life was also assessed. 1258 young females within the age range of 18-25 years participated in a cross sectional survey from the various colleges of Punjab District. The participants completed the questionnaire of Short Form-36, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Questionnaire and Clinical Profile Form. There was an increased prevalence of one or two PCOS symptoms (i.e., Menstrual Irregularity and Hirtuism) in most of young females. Most of the femaleswere not aware of the PCOS phenomenon. Furthermore, pearson correlation analysis on study scales revealed that with increase in PCOS symptomology, there are chances that quality of life will be poor. These findings suggest that still most of educated females are largely unaware about PCOS symptoms, it needs further expansion in terms of educational seminars to promote awareness about risk factors. The results of this study can be used by educational institutions or health care centers for promoting PCOS awareness and contributing towards early diagnosis and prevention