October 01, 2020
The isolation which COVID-19 has imposed on the population as a whole has led to dramatic changes in lifestyle, including reduction of physical activity, and sleep and dietary disturbances. Such an increase in young people's sedentary and unhealthy behaviors during the pandemic has contributed to both short- and long-term negative impacts on various aspects of health, especially in those suffering from chronic disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
COVID-19 has not only worsened the symptoms related to PCOS, which include menstrual irregularity, weight gain, and dermatologic changes, but it has also increased the risk of PCOS in adolescents and worsened the condition of those who previously had PCOS. Therefore, parents and health care professionals must support teenagers with PCOS, turning the pandemic into an opportunity for lifestyle improvements.
It is recommended that teens suffering from PCOS:
- Avoid unhealthy habits
- Regulate meals as well as sleep and waking times
- Keep healthy-eating behavior and regular consumption of fruit and vegetables
- Carry out home-based physical activity, bodyweight training, dance, and active video gaming
- Seek help from parents and healthcare providers to manage their symptoms and reduce stress and anxiety related to the clinical presentation of PCOS
For more information, please check the article below:
J Pediatr Nurs. 2020 Sep 3, Doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2020.09.001
Luciana Aparecida Campos Baltatu, Ph.D.
College of Health Sciences
Abu Dhabi University
