Abstract

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY DISEASE (PCOD) AMONG STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FOR DEVELOPING A RISK ASSESSMENT SCALE

Shalet Sara Shaji*, Athul H., Jeeva Elizabeth Thomas, Lidiya Anna Kuriyan and Sofy Binu

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Abstract

Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) is indeed a complex condition that can involve multiple medical specialties due to its varied manifestations and systemic effects. PCOD primarily affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and often the presence of cysts on the ovaries. This study aimed to develop a risk assessment tool for PCOD based on findings from schools and colleges. A set of questions that may assess the risk of PCOD based on various factors such as Menstrual irregularities, Signs of hyperandrogenism, Elevated BMI or increased waist circumference, Family history Insulin resistance, Evidence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound examination, Metabolic disturbances where used and The data thus obtained were analysed statistically to evaluate the risk associated with PCOD from that we discovered 21.74% of the study participants comes under the risk category, then an awareness program was held so as to improve their knowledge about PCOD. The identified risk factors were then evaluated and incorporated into a comprehensive risk assessment tool. The resulting tool provides a userfriendly method for individuals to assess their risk of developing PCOD based on their demographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics.

Keywords: Polycystic ovarian disease, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Risk assessment scale.