Prevalence and Risk Factors of Polymetabolic ovarian Syndrome Among Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65761/jbs.2026.21Keywords:
Polymetabolic ovarian Syndrome, Metabolic Syndrome, Women of Reproductive Age, Cardiometabolic Risk, Obesity, Lifestyle Factors, Insulin Resistance, PakistanAbstract
Background: Polymetabolic ovarian Syndrome represents an important and increasingly recognized cardiometabolic health concern, yet its burden and associated risk factors among women of reproductive age remain insufficiently characterized, particularly within the Pakistani context.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Polymetabolic ovarian Syndrome and identify demographic, reproductive, anthropometric, lifestyle, and clinical factors associated with its occurrence among women of reproductive age.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed among 423 women aged 18-49 years recruited from selected healthcare facilities and community-based health-screening settings in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, standardized anthropometric and blood-pressure measurements, and fasting venous blood samples for assessment of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to determine prevalence patterns and independent associations.
Results: The findings demonstrated a substantial burden of Polymetabolic ovarian Syndrome among the study population, with greater metabolic vulnerability observed among women of increasing age, higher parity, obesity, central adiposity, inadequate physical activity, unhealthy dietary practices, hypertension, and a family history of diabetes. Individual metabolic abnormalities, including elevated blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, and central obesity, were also strongly associated with the occurrence of the syndrome.
Implication: These findings highlight the importance of recognizing metabolic risk during the reproductive years, when early identification and lifestyle-based intervention may prevent progression to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other long-term metabolic complications. The study provides clinically relevant evidence for strengthening cardiometabolic screening within women's healthcare services and supports a preventive, life-course approach to women's metabolic health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Somtochukwu Judith Okafor, Maheen Furqan, Nida Waqas, Mentalla ElEmam Hassan ElEmam, Alaa Tawfig, Attiq ur Rehman, Amel Kamil Mohamed, Shifaa S S Lulu, Khushboo Kumari
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