SCREENING FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) USING ROTTERDAM CRITERIA AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH LIFESTYLE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN SEMI-URBAN WOMEN
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Keywords
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Rotterdam Criteria, Lifestyle Factors, Insulin Resistance, Semi-Urban Women, Obesity
Abstract
Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age and is increasingly recognized in semi-urban populations where lifestyle transitions are rapidly taking place. Changes in dietary patterns, reduced physical activity, and psychosocial stress have been linked to the rising prevalence of the syndrome. Understanding these associations is vital for developing preventive strategies and community-based awareness programs.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, from January 2024 to January 2025, involving 72 semi-urban women aged 18–35 years. Screening for PCOS was performed using the Rotterdam criteria, which include oligo/anovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. Anthropometric measurements, hormonal assays, and biochemical investigations were carried out. Lifestyle factors such as dietary habits, physical activity, sleep pattern, and stress level were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of PCOS among participants was 36.1%. Oligo/anovulation was the most frequent diagnostic component (84.6%), followed by polycystic ovarian morphology (76.9%) and hyperandrogenism (69.2%). Significant associations were observed between PCOS and higher BMI, waist circumference, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR values (p < 0.05). Lipid abnormalities were also more common in PCOS women. Lifestyle factors such as low physical activity, inadequate sleep, higher stress, and poor dietary quality were strongly related to PCOS occurrence. No significant difference was found for age or socioeconomic status between groups.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of PCOS among semi-urban women and identified significant associations with lifestyle and metabolic factors. The findings suggest that behavioral modifications such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and reducing stress may help in preventing or controlling PCOS. Early screening and lifestyle-based interventions are essential to reduce long-term reproductive and metabolic complications.
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Samina Firdous
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Anjum Mahmood
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Saif Ur Rehman
Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Frontier Medical and Dental College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Qamoos Razzaq
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Frontier Medical and Dental College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Farooq Ahmed Noor
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, AJK Medical College, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
Mustansar Billah
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, CIMS Multan, Pakistan