JCOGP
Journal of Controversies in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics

As of January 2023, our "Journal of Controversies Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics" has been published under the Medihealth Academy to publish all articles, reviews and case reports on Pediatrics, especially in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In order to facilitate the citation of the articles, to take our place in internationally respected indexes and to reach a wider readership, we will pay attention to the fact that our article language is only English in terms of acceptance.

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Original Article
Investigation of the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with dietary habits and physical activity self-efficacy levels among university students
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) among university students and to examine their dietary habits and physical activity self-efficacy levels.
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between February and November 2025 with 524 students enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences at a public university located in southwestern Turkey. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviours Scale (SHEBS), and the Female Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Scale (FPASES).
Results: The mean age of the female participants was 20.8 ± 2.24 years (min.: 17; max.: 30), and 14.9% of the students had been diagnosed with PCOS. The mean total score of the SHEBS was 3.71 ± 1.04. When the subdimensions of the scale were examined, the mean scores were as follows: healthy and balanced diet (3.46 ± 1.07), quality labels (3.55 ± 1.13), reduced meat consumption (3.75 ± 1.36), local food (4.21 ± 1.30), low-fat consumption (3.77 ± 1.29), prevention of food waste (3.59 ± 1.19), and animal welfare (4.26 ± 1.43). The mean total score of the FPASES was 95.89 ± 13.76. Subscale mean scores were 37.81 ± 9.92 for the cognitive dimension, 39.95 ± 7.48 for the emotional dimension, and 18.21 ± 4.53 for the social dimension.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the prevalence of PCOS among university students is at a noteworthy level, while healthy dietary habits and physical activity self-efficacy are at a moderate level. Awareness regarding animal welfare and local food preferences was relatively high, whereas balanced nutrition practices were more limited. Physical activity self-efficacy was found to be stronger in the cognitive and emotional dimensions but weaker in the social dimension.

Keywords : Polycystic ovary syndrome, food habits, exercise, sustainability

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 2, 2026
Page : 31-35
https://doi.org/10.51271/JCOGP-0070
Article Information
Received : 30 Oca 2026
Accepted : 22 Nis 2026
Published : 30 Nis 2026
Corresponding Author :

Yılmaz Güneş: Health Care Vocational School, Avrasya University, Trabzon, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Dönmez S, Güneş Y, Karakuzu Y. Investigation of the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with dietary habits and physical activity self-efficacy levels among university students. J Controv Obstetr Gynecol Ped. 2026;4(2):31-35. doi:10.51271/JCOGP-0070

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