Comparison of premenstrual symptoms, psychological well-being, and nutritional status between Palestinian women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widely seen reproductive and endocrinological disorder. PCOS can exert substantial effects on many aspects of an individual's life, including reproductive health and psychological well-being. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status, premenstrual syndrome, and mental health of women affected by PCOS in comparison to women without PCOS. METHODOLOGY: A case-control observational study in Palestine included 100 PCOS patients and 200 healthy women. The collected data included socio-demographic information, medical history, premenstrual syndrome, mental health, nutritional status, and lifestyle. Anthropometric measurement and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) were used to evaluate the nutritional status. The General Health Questionnaire (12-GHQ) was used to evaluate the state of mental health. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) severity was evaluated using a validated Arabic premenstrual syndrome questionnaire. RESULTS: The study's findings indicated that there was a statistically significant increase in the three dimensions of PMS among participants with PCOS, p < 0.05. Similarly, PCOS patients demonstrated elevated ratings across all aspects of mental health, p < 0.05. In terms of the other variables, it has been observed that PCOS patients have a notably greater prevalence of perceived sleep disturbances and decreased adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Regression analysis revealed that PCOS is associated with mental health problems indicated by a higher GHQ score (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03; 1.16, p < 0.05), lower adherence to the MD diet (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76; 0.98, p < 0.05), and pre-menstrual syndrome, especially the physical symptoms (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.003; 1.12, p < 0.05) after adjusting for age, smoking, waist-hip ratio, and body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSION: The study has linked polycystic ovary syndrome to negative mental health outcomes and an increased severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Additional investigation is required in order to establish a causal association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and lifestyle behaviors within the Palestinian population. Intervention and instructional studies are necessary to investigate the efficacy of management strategies in alleviating the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on both physical and mental well-being.

Palestinian analysis of COVID-19 vaccine compliance and reported death by vaccination type.

Background: This study aims to compare mortality and adherence to the second dose between different types of vaccines administered in Palestine. Methods and Participants: A retrospective cohort study of individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 from February 14, 2021 through January 2022. Data were retrieved from the Palestinian Ministry of Health database and included identity number, date of birth, vaccination date, vaccine type, and mortality. Results: The study included 16,726 individuals who were vaccinated and later diagnosed with COVID-19. The mean age was 42.1 years, and females comprised 48.5% (8,112) of the population. Only 62.7% of individuals adhered to receiving the second dose of a vaccine, and the average duration of effectiveness of all vaccines was 126 days after completing the double dose. Seventy-five COVID-related deaths were recorded among vaccinated individuals who were significantly older ages. Conclusion: Our study design demonstrated the disparity in vaccine uptake and adherence due to delay in vaccination and dependence on COVAX and other countries for the donated vaccines. It highlights the importance of a global approach and higher-income countries assisting lower-income countries in securing vaccine.