The study analyzes the relationship between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and various demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors in a Saudi Arabian population. Here are the key findings:

The study analyzes the relationship between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and various demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors in a Saudi Arabian population. Here are the key findings:

Demographic Factors:

  • Younger age: Women aged less than 23 years were 6 times more likely to be diagnosed with PCOS than women aged 50 years and older.
  • Region of residence: Women who lived in the eastern region were 60% less likely to be diagnosed with PCOS than those in the southern region.

Socioeconomic Factors:

  • Income: Women with enough income (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.32-0.92) were at lower risk of PCOS than women with low income.
  • Weight status: Underweight, normal weight, or overweight women were less likely to be diagnosed with PCOS than obese women.

Lifestyle Factors:

  • Smoking: Past smokers (OR = 5.93; 95% CI = 1.31-26.91) and current smokers were more likely to be at high risk of PCOS.
  • Physical activity: Sedentary lifestyle (no exercise or physical activity).
  • Diet: Those who did not follow a healthy diet.
  • Medication use: Women who used medication (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.07-2.61) and herbal remedies (OR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.34-3.43).
  • Psychological illness: Women with psychological illness were more likely to be diagnosed with PCOS (OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.19-3.16).

Physical and Psychological Conditions:

  • Presence of physical or psychological conditions increased the likelihood of a PCOS diagnosis.
  • Women who reported having physical or psychological illnesses were more likely to have other health issues, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The study highlights that PCOS is a complex disorder influenced by multiple factors. Factors common to both Western and Middle Eastern populations contribute to the increased incidence of PCOS in Saudi Arabian women.