Lifestyle and Reproductive Risk Factors for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aswathy M U; Sarita  Shokanda; Anugrah  Milton

Aswathy M U Tutor, College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
Sarita Shokanda Professor, RAK College of Nursing, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, India
Anugrah Milton Tutor, RAK College of Nursing, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, India

Keywords: Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Lifestyle Risk Factors, Reproductive Health, College Students, Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women and is estimated to occur in approximately 5–10% of women during their reproductive years. The rising prevalence of PCOS among young women has become an important public health concern.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to identify the risk factors of PCOS among undergraduate college girls at MMS College, Kerala. The conceptual framework of the study was based on the Health Belief Model. A total of 108 undergraduate college girls were selected using a stratified random sampling technique, considering the stream of study as strata. Data were collected using a three-part tool comprising demographic and personal history, stress assessment using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and physical examination with standardized instruments to identify potential PCOS risk factors. In addition, a structured knowledge questionnaire and a structured practice rating scale were used to assess knowledge and practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: The findings revealed that the most common risk factors among the participants were stress, hirsutism, androgenic alopecia, and acne, which are recognized clinical indicators associated with PCOS. Most of the participants were found to have more than one risk factor. Knowledge regarding PCOS showed a significant association with the mother’s occupation, year of study, religion, and previous information about PCOS. Practices related to prevention and management were significantly associated with the stream of study, family income, father’s educational status, and alopecia. Stress levels were significantly associated with type of family and family history of menstrual irregularity, infertility, and obesity.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of early identification of risk factors and awareness programs among young women for effective prevention and management of PCOS.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.9318.202601

How to cite this article:
Aswathy M U, Shokanda S, Milton A. Lifestyle and Reproductive Risk Factors for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Nurs Midwif Res. 2026;13(1):25-29.

References

Azziz R, Woods KS, Reyna R, Key TJ, Knochenhauer ES, Yildiz BO. The prevalence and features of the polycystic ovary syndrome in an unselected population. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2004 Jun 1;89(6):2745-9. [Google Scholar]

Rosenstock IM. Historical origins of the health belief model. Health education monographs. 1974 Dec;2(4):328-35.[Google Scholar]

Cohen S, Kamarck T, Mermelstein R. A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of health and social behavior. 1983 Dec 1:385-96. [Google Scholar]