Infertility Status and Sociodemographic Determinants of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comparative Nursing Study in Kurdish Women

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare infertility status and reproductive outcomes, along with associated sociodemographic and obstetric factors, among Kurdish women with and without PCOS in Erbil, Iraq.

Methods: This descriptive-comparative study was conducted at the Maternity Teaching Hospital from July 2024 to July 2025. A total of 548 Kurdish women aged 14-49 years were enrolled, comprising 274 with clinically confirmed PCOS and 274 without PCOS or other hormonal disorders (comparison group). Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a validated researcher-made checklist consist of sociodemographic data, obstetric history, clinical characteristics, and PCOS-specific diagnosis and treatment history. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression.

Results:  A history of infertility (98.9% vs. 2.2%, p<0.001) was overwhelmingly more common in the PCOS group. The control group had higher gravidity and parity (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified extended family type (AOR=2.262, p<0.001), as independent risk factor for PCOS, while higher parity was protective (AOR=0.374, p<0.001).

Conclusions: Women with PCOS in this sample demonstrated significantly higher infertility prevalence, with significantly poorer reproductive outcomes despite treatment. Sociodemographic factors, particularly family structure, are strongly and independently associated with PCOS.