Burden of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and its determinants among Female Doctors at a tertiary care hospital of Dakshin Kannada District, Karnataka: A Cross-Sectional Study
Keywords:
PCOS, Female healthcare workers, working hours, lifestyleAbstract
Background: In India, the prevalence of PCOS ranges from 3.7% to 22.5%. Female healthcare professionals, especially doctors, are not immune to PCOS. Despite their medical knowledge, they may ignore the symptoms, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support.
Aim & Objective: To assess the prevalence of PCOS and its risk factors among female doctors working in a tertiary care hospital.
Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study conducted among female doctors working in a tertiary care hospital in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka.
Methods and Material: The present study was conducted among 160 female doctors aged 21–50 years for a period of 1 year. PCOS was diagnosed according to Rotterdam’s criteria. Data was collected on sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual history, working conditions, lifestyle and personal habits, and family history.
Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test to analyse the association between PCOS and various risk factors (p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant).
Results: The prevalence of PCOS was 21.25%. Irregular menses was the most common symptom (21.25%). Marital status was found to be significantly associated with PCOS in female doctors. No significant difference in mean working hours, mean daytime working hours, and mean night time working hours was observed among doctors with and without PCOS.
Conclusions: The study revealed a higher prevalence of PCOS among female doctors in Karnataka compared to the average prevalence of PCOS in India. As PCOS can have profound long-term health implications, addressing its prevalence and management among healthcare professionals is essential for promoting their overall health and wellness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Niharika Verma, Saher Caroli, Mithun Verma, Tanveer Bano
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