A nationwide cross-sectional study to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle and manifestations of polycystic ovarian syndrome among clinically diagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome cases aged 15-49 years

Authors

  • Sneh M. Shah GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
  • Sthitapragnya Mohanty GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
  • Chandana S. Kaduluri GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
  • Gneyaa S. Bhatt Department of Community Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
  • Pallavi Ninama Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
  • Nirav K. Bapat Department of Community Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20223551

Keywords:

PCOS, Lifestyle, Regularity of menses, Hirsutism, COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a gynecological and endocrine disorder closely linked with one’s lifestyle, has been impacted by the lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Hence, our objective was to study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and the manifestations of women with PCOS, and the association between them.

Methods: Nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out among women diagnosed with PCOS via Rotterdam's criteria using predesigned semi-structured questionnaires via social media. Data was analysed using proportions and Chi-square tests.

Results: Majority females were between 20-29 years (78.3%) and obese (54.8%). Only 12 were physically active, with lack of motivation being the commonest reason for not exercising. 66.9% gained weight (average 6.62 kg). 72.6% noticed an increase in stress levels. 51.7% and 25.9% had severe and moderate anxiety respectively as per GAD (Generalized Anxiety Depression) score. Only 28.5% were satisfied with their sleep. 62.4% reported having irregular menstrual cycles, with an increase of 4.6% from before the pandemic. 39.2% women reported to have missed cycles often during the pandemic. 35.4% of women had an increase in hirsutism. A significant association was found between regularity of menses and one’s weight, physical activity and anxiety. Stress levels and sleep were found to be associated with change in the pattern of body hair.

Conclusions: Overall compared to the pre-pandemic times, lifestyle deteriorated, with worsening of stress levels, physical activity, sleep and weight gain in spite of improvement in diet. Manifestations of PCOS showed exaggerated menstrual symptoms and increased hirsutism.

Author Biographies

Sneh M. Shah, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Student, Final year MBBS

Sthitapragnya Mohanty, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Student, Final year MBBS

Chandana S. Kaduluri, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Student, Final year MBBS

Gneyaa S. Bhatt, Department of Community Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Associate professor, Department of Community Medicine

Pallavi Ninama, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Associate professor , Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Nirav K. Bapat, Department of Community Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Assitant Professor-Statistics, Department of Community Medicine

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Published

2022-12-29

How to Cite

Shah, S. M., Mohanty, S., Kaduluri, C. S., Bhatt, G. S., Ninama, P., & Bapat, N. K. (2022). A nationwide cross-sectional study to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle and manifestations of polycystic ovarian syndrome among clinically diagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome cases aged 15-49 years. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 10(1), 240–249. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20223551

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Original Research Articles