Author/Authors :
Attlee، Amita نويسنده Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates , , Nusralla، Asma نويسنده Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates , , Eqbal، Rashida نويسنده Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates , , Said، Hanaa نويسنده Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates , , Hashim، Mona نويسنده Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates , , Shaker Obaid، Reyad نويسنده Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates ,
Abstract :
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS) and its association with body composition among students in
University of Sharjah (UOS).
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total sample size of 50
female students registering in undergraduate programs at the University of Sharjah using
convenience sampling technique. A pretested interview schedule was administered to elicit
information pertaining to personal background and medical history related to PCOS. A diagnostic
ultrasound scan was performed for determining PCOS along with a body composition
analysis using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology.
Results: Twenty percent (10 out of 50 participants) were diagnosed with PCOS, of whom
only 4 individuals were previously diagnosed with PCOS and aware of their conditions, while
the reports showed 16% with oligomenorrhea, 4% with polymenorrhea, and none with amenorrhea.
A positive family history was indicated as reported by 22% of the total participants.
Significant difference between the body weights of participants having PCOS (66.7 kg) and
those without it (58.8 kg) were noted (p=0.043, t=2.084). On the other hand, the body composition
related variables including waist-hip ratio (WHR), fat-free mass (FFM), percent body
fat (PBF) and visceral fat area (VFA) were relatively higher in participants having PCOS than
those without it. However, there was no statistical significance of differences. Comparatively,
the participants with PCOS had lower bone mineral density (BMD) than those without it,
whereas the difference was statistically non-significant.
Conclusion: The occurrence of PCOS in the present study is consistent with the global prevalence.
Comparatively, the body composition of PCOS females is different from the normal females.
Further studies are required in the Middle East region on larger sample sizes and broader
aspects of health including lifestyle and dietary components to understand these differences.
