Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Model-Based Study of Predictive Factors

Abstract

Introduction Understanding the factors that contribute to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is critical for developing the most appropriate interventions for improving or maintaining the HRQOL in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Aim This study sought to determine the most significant predictors of the HRQOL in patients with PCOS. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 300 women with PCOS that was carried out in Kashan, Iran. A sample of women with PCOS was entered into the study and completed the following questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale score, the modified polycystic ovary syndrome health-related quality of life questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index. Main Outcome Measure Both direct and indirect relationships among clinical severity, psychological status, self-esteem, body image, and sexual function as independent predictors of HRQOL were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. By using the SEM, we simultaneously test a number of possible hypotheses concerning the interrelations among the predictors of HRQOL in PCOS patients. Results In relation with severity of PCOS, reproductive history and menstrual status explained a high proportion of the variance of clinical variables (factor loading 0.37 and 0.34, respectively). The highest effect on HRQL was exerted by indirect effect of clinical factor (β = 0.90), self-esteem (β = 1.12), body image (β = 1.06), and sexual function (β = 0.26) that influenced negatively HRQOL. The infertility and menstrual domains were the most affected areas of HRQOL. In relation with sexual dysfunction, the most affected domains were desire and arousal. Conclusion The highest effect of PCOS symptoms on HRQOL impairment among patients was exerted by self-esteem, body image, and sexual dysfunction. With regard to HRQOL in clinical routine, we conclude these mediating factors should be taken into consideration and adequately treated if present.

Assessment of quality of life among women with polycystic ovary syndrome of different reproductive age

“…We determined more significant changes in psychological component of quality of life compared to physical one in PCOS patients, similar to other scientists [5,9,10]. Problems with self-esteem, self-perception and sexual dysfunction are usually associated with PCOS [11]. Results of our study have demonstrated that persons of active reproductive age face greater challenges with increased body weight, metabolic changes than women in early reproductive age.…”

Patients’ and physicians’ descriptions of occurrence and diagnosis of endometriosis: a qualitative study from Iran

“…In addition, in Iranian culture infertility is a stigma and thus fertility is an important factor for family stability. It is argued that infertility in eastern culture might affect women more compared with women from western cultures [37]. Insecurity about fertility as well as distorted self-perception may contribute negatively to sexual satisfaction and sexual self-worth possibly by affecting self-esteem and female identity.…”

The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression and Obesity in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Studies conducted in the field of measuring the quality of life of women with PCOS have concluded that the quality of life of these women is very low. On this basis many gynecology researchers emphasize that patients should receive knowledge about this disease and its associated problems and even suggest that routine screening for the diagnosis of psychiatric diseases should be conducted in this group and these women need to receive education and support (17)(18)(19)(20)(21).…”