Open Access

ARTICLE

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Prevalence and Related Risk Factors among Females with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Abdullah A. Alharbi¹, Ahmad Y. Alqassim^1,*, Mohammad A. Jareebi¹, Ahmad A. Alharbi², Nada M. Makein¹, Fatimah H. Al Ghazwi³, Seba Y. Muzaiiadi³, Joud N. Refaei³, Revan A. Arishi³, Bashaer A. Al Rajhi³, Fatima A. Aqili³, Saleha M. Ayoub³, Mohammed A. Muaddi¹

1 Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
2 Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
3 Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia

* Corresponding Author: Ahmad Y. Alqassim. Email:

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion 2025, 27(5), 701-716. https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2025.062924

Received 31 December 2024; Accepted 11 April 2025; Issue published 05 June 2025

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women, has substantial physical and psychological impacts. While the physical manifestations of PCOS are well established, the psychological burden, especially anxiety, is understudied in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder among females with PCOS compared to those without PCOS, and to identify the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with anxiety in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023 using an Arabic self-administered online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. The study recruited 410 reproductive-age females (≥18 years) from the Jazan region using convenience sampling. The questionnaire encompassed socio-demographic characteristics, economic indicators, medical history, PCOS symptoms, and the validated Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) assessment tool. Results: The prevalence of PCOS in the study population was 22.44%. Women with PCOS showed significantly higher anxiety levels compared to controls without PCOS (32.61% vs. 22.33%). Biochemical hyperandrogenism was the strongest predictor of anxiety (OR = 4.179). Menstrual irregularities demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship with anxiety risk, wherein participants with 2–3 months and ≥3 months of amenorrhea had 2.5- and 3.3-times higher odds of anxiety compared to those with regular cycles (OR = 2.451 and 3.314). Other PCOS-related dermatological manifestations were also associated with increased anxiety, including hirsutism (OR = 1.745), alopecia (OR = 2.285) and acne (OR = 1.723). Marital status was a significant factor, with divorced/widowed females having 4.4-fold higher anxiety odds compared to single females (OR = 4.371). Conclusion: PCOS presents a significant psychological burden in Saudi women, with anxiety prevalence higher than the general population. The robust associations between PCOS manifestations and anxiety emphasize the need for integrated healthcare approaches that address both endocrine and mental health aspects. Routine psychological screening and support services should be incorporated into PCOS management protocols.

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Keywords

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