Investigating the Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Poultry Chicken Consumption Among Females Aged 15–30 in District East Karachi

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to explore the association between poultry chicken meat consumption and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among females aged 15–30 years, classified as youth in the Pakistani context as per Pakistan’s National Human Development Report 2017.

Methodology: A retrospective analytical case-control study was conducted in the Outpatient Department of Jinnah Medical and Dental College Hospital, Korangi, Karachi, over six months. The study included a total of 110 age-matched females, comprising 55 PCOS patients (cases) and 55 healthy females (controls). Participants were enrolled based on the Rotterdam Criteria.

Results: Menstrual history, Body Mass Index (BMI), hirsutism, and acne scores were significantly associated with PCOS. Using the chi-square test, the frequency of poultry chicken consumption (<0.0001) and the quantity consumed (0.001) were found to be statistically significant in relation to PCOS.

Conclusion: This study identifies a significant association between poultry chicken consumption and PCOS. Additionally, PCOS was significantly associated with hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularities, and obesity.