Sharma Apoorva, Sarwal Yamini, Devi Naorem Kiranmala, Saraswathy Kallur Nava
Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Reprod Health. 2025 Apr 28;22(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s12978-025-02019-9.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent yet under-researched endocrinologic disorder affecting females of reproductive age, characterized by menstrual dysfunction, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and obesity. Despite its global prevalence, with rates varying significantly among Asian communities, there is a notable lack of region-specific epidemiological data, particularly for urban areas in India. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of PCOS and associated sociodemographic risk factors among young adult females in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), India.
This study is comprised of two components: a cross-sectional survey and a systematic review. The cross-sectional survey involved 1,164 college-going females aged 18-25 years in Delhi NCR, with data collected through a structured interview schedule assessing sociodemographic variables and PCOS symptoms. PCOS diagnosis was based on the already diagnosed cases and cases diagnosed during the study (Rotterdam criteria, 2003), through symptoms and additional assessment through ultrasonography. The systematic review analysed prevalence studies from 2010 to 2024 across India, focusing on the similar age group.
The study found a high 17.40% prevalence rate of PCOS among the participants, with 70.30% already diagnosed and 29.70% newly diagnosed during the study. The prevalence is significantly higher compared to the pooled prevalence of 8.41% reported in previous studies across India. Sociodemographic factors such as age (20 years and above), higher education, ancestry (East India and immigrants), and nuclear family structure were associated with increased PCOS risk. Conversely, factors like belonging to the OBC category and lower middle class were linked to reduced risk.
The high prevalence of PCOS in Delhi NCR compared to other regions highlights the need for targeted epidemiological research and intervention strategies in urban settings. The association of PCOS with modern lifestyle factors and socioeconomic status underscores the importance of addressing these determinants in managing PCOS effectively. The study contributes valuable insights into the sociodemographic dimensions of PCOS and calls for more comprehensive studies to inform public health strategies.
多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）是一种常见但研究不足的内分泌疾病，影响育龄女性，其特征为月经功能紊乱、不孕、多毛、痤疮和肥胖。尽管该疾病在全球范围内普遍存在，且在亚洲不同社区的发病率差异显著，但尤其在印度城市地区，缺乏特定区域的流行病学数据。本研究的目的是评估印度德里及国家首都辖区（NCR）年轻成年女性中PCOS的患病率及相关社会人口学风险因素。
本研究由两部分组成：横断面调查和系统评价。横断面调查涉及德里NCR地区1164名年龄在18 - 25岁的在校女性，通过结构化访谈问卷收集社会人口学变量和PCOS症状的数据。PCOS诊断基于既往已确诊病例以及研究期间确诊的病例（2003年鹿特丹标准），通过症状以及超声检查进行额外评估。系统评价分析了2010年至2024年印度各地针对相似年龄组的患病率研究。
研究发现参与者中PCOS患病率高达17.40%，其中70.30%为既往已确诊病例，29.70%为研究期间新确诊病例。与印度此前研究报告的8.41%的合并患病率相比，该患病率显著更高。年龄（20岁及以上）、高等教育、祖籍（东印度和移民）以及核心家庭结构等社会人口学因素与PCOS风险增加相关。相反，属于其他落后阶层（OBC）类别和中下层阶级等因素与风险降低有关。
与其他地区相比，德里NCR地区PCOS的高患病率凸显了在城市环境中开展针对性流行病学研究和干预策略的必要性。PCOS与现代生活方式因素和社会经济地位的关联强调了在有效管理PCOS过程中应对这些决定因素的重要性。该研究为PCOS的社会人口学层面提供了有价值的见解，并呼吁开展更全面的研究以为公共卫生策略提供依据。
