Awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Lifestyle Behavior Among Medical Students: A Survey Study from the United Arab Emirates

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) poses a significant challenge in contemporary medicine, with its prevalence on the rise despite limited understanding and awareness.
Objectives: This study seeks to assess undergraduate medical students’ awareness of PCOS and investigate lifestyle behaviors among female students that may be linked to the condition.
Methods: A 5-month cross-sectional survey study was carried out with undergraduate medical students at Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Science University. Participants completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, PCOS awareness, and lifestyle factors.
Results: The findings indicate that 66.0% of medical students had a low-to-moderate level of awareness about PCOS, with a mean score of 16±7.8 out of 30. Female participants showed significantly higher mean scores of awareness in all categories (P<001). Less than one-third (30.1%) of students were unaware of menstrual cycle irregularities, while 32.2% did not recognize hormonal imbalance as a risk factor. More than half (55.4%) were unaware of endometrial cancer as a potential complication, and 51.5% did not recognize the psychological ramifications of binge eating disorder. Almost one-third (33.5%) of students were unaware of the role of regular exercise in PCOS prevention. Regarding lifestyle behaviors, 70.7% of females reported regular consumption of junk food, while 56.1% engaged in regular exercise. There was no association between lifestyle behaviors and level of awareness (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The study identified gaps in knowledge regarding PCOS among undergraduate medical students, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and education. Lifestyle behavior modifications, including dietary habits and stress management, are essential for enhancing understanding and promoting preventive strategies among medical students.