Determinants of polycystic ovary syndrome: A matched case–control study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder of women of reproductive age with a multifactorial aetiology. Despite much research, there is still inconclusive data on the impact of dietary, lifestyle and socio‐economic factors on PCOS aetiology. Thus, the present study explored the association of PCOS with diet, eating behaviour, other lifestyle and socio‐economic factors.MethodsA matched‐pair case–control study was conducted on 150 women with PCOS and 150 healthy controls. Information on diet, eating behaviour and physical activity, and also anthropometric and socio‐economic data were collected through standard questionnaires. The adjusted odds ratios (AmOR) were calculated and reported using conditional multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe results showed low education level (AmOR = 8.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63–43.68), high sugar consumption (AmOR = 11.61; 95% CI = 2.05–65.72) along with higher body mass index (BMI) and inactivity to be significantly associated with PCOS. Also, a significant protective effect was found for cognitive dietary restraint (AmOR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.66–0.93), crude fibre (AmOR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.45–0.82) and protein intake.ConclusionsLow education status may contribute to higher receptiveness to choosing unhealthy diets and lifestyles, resulting in adiposity and an increased risk of PCOS.