IMPACT OF POLY CYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF MARRIED FEMALES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/647h8h68Keywords:
Body Image, Infertility, Menstrual Irregularities, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Quality of Life, Psychological Stress, Reproductive Health.Abstract
Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive, metabolic, and psychological disturbances that collectively impair women’s health-related quality of life. In married women, the burden of PCOS is often intensified by fertility concerns, visible physical manifestations, and sociocultural expectations related to marriage and childbearing. Despite increasing recognition of these challenges, limited evidence is available from developing regions addressing the multidimensional impact of PCOS on married women.
Objective: To assess the impact of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome on the quality of life of married women across psychological, reproductive, physical, and social domains.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling to recruit 377 married women diagnosed with PCOS from public and private hospitals, clinical facilities, and community settings. Data were collected using the validated Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life Scale (PCOSQOL-47), assessing five domains: psychological and emotional status, fertility and sexual life, body image, hair disorders and acne, and obesity and menstrual disturbances. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.
Results: Marked impairment in psychological and emotional status was reported by 89.9% (n=339) of participants, with a mean score of 2.37 ± 0.60. In the fertility and sexual life domain, 64.5% (n=243) experienced a marked effect and 26.8% (n=101) a marginal effect (mean = 2.85 ± 0.82). Body image was significantly affected in 68.7% (n=259) of women (mean = 2.75 ± 0.72). Hair disorders and acne showed marked impact in 56.8% (n=214) (mean = 2.97 ± 0.88). Obesity and menstrual disturbances demonstrated marked impairment in 59.4% (n=224) of participants (mean = 2.91 ± 0.78).
Conclusion: PCOS exerts a substantial negative impact on the quality of life of married women, particularly affecting psychological well-being, fertility-related concerns, and body image. These findings highlight the need for integrated medical, psychological, and socioculturally sensitive interventions to effectively address the multidimensional burden of PCOS.
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