Work

Evaluating the Levels of Mental Stress, Salivary Oxidative Stress, Body Mass Index, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio in University Students With and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Their Impact on Academic Performance

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of diseases, with endocrine diseases, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), showing a notable rise. Women with PCOS have a higher risk of depression and stress which can affect the academic performance of the students. Hence, this study aims to compare salivary oxidative stress biomarkers, mental stress levels, body mass index (BMI), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in students with and without PCOS, and examine the impact of these factors on academic performance. METHODOLOGY: Female students (n=71) with self-reported PCOS (n=36) were compared to those without PCOS (n=35). Perceived and academic stress were assessed using validated scales, while BMI and WHR were measured through physical examination. Academic performance was self-reported and validated by follow-up interviews. Salivary MDA, a biomarker for oxidative stress, was measured using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) test. RESULT: The analysis revealed that female students with PCOS exhibited higher MDA (ng/ml) levels (0.71±0.13 vs. 0.41±0.14), perceived stress (28.42±4.75 vs. 22.0±6.62), BMI (26.74±6.28 vs. 23.87±4.81), and academic stress (91.03±31.52 vs. 66.86±30.98) compared to those without PCOS. In participants with PCOS, BMI showed a weak positive correlation with academic stress (r=0.312), while the Perceived Stress Score (PSS) and MDA levels showed a strong positive correlation with academic stress (r=0.709 and 0.850, respectively). Academic performance was weakly positively correlated with perceived stress score (r=0.384). CONCLUSION: When individual factors (BMI, perceived stress, MDA levels) were compared, positive significance was observed in both PCOS and non-PCOS groups. Findings suggested that female students diagnosed with PCOS experience elevated levels of perceived stress, salivary MDA, and BMI, potentially impacting their academic performance.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71488

Authors: Anjana Goyal, Hemalata Kruthiventi

Institution: Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies

Language: English

Topic: Ovarian function and disorders

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Indian Council of Medical Research, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command