Prevalence, clinical patterns, and associated risk factors of polycystic ovarian syndrome among women seeking fertility treatment at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Hospital, Northern Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence, clinical patterns, and risk factors of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among women seeking fertility treatment at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Northern Tanzania.

METHODOLOGY: Hospital-based analytical cross-sectional studies were used, involving 367 women obtained through convenience sampling. Data collection was conducted using Swahili-translated questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression, considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The study found a 36% prevalence of PCOS among participants, with the highest occurrence in women aged 18-24 years 72.7%. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between PCOS and age, with women aged 25-32 having significantly lower odds of PCOS compared to the 18-24 age group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.65, P = 0.005). Multiparous women also had lower odds of PCOS (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.19-0.75, P = 0.001). Approximately 59.7% of women with PCOS had a menstrual cycle duration greater than 35 days.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PCOS was 36% among the study population, primarily affecting younger women aged 18-24. The study underscores the need for further research to enhance the understanding of PCOS and improve treatment and reproductive outcomes.