Evaluating the Quality of Life of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age and may affect physical, psychological, social, and reproductive well-being. Quality-of-life assessment is important because clinical symptoms alone may not fully reflect the lived burden of the condition. Objective: To evaluate quality of life among women with polycystic ovary syndrome and examine its association with clinical, treatment-related, lifestyle, psychological, and social factors. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 92 premenopausal women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome attending selected gynecology departments in Lahore, Pakistan. Data were collected using a structured pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables, and associations with self-rated quality of life were assessed using chi-square analysis. Results: Most participants rated their quality of life as good (70.7%) or very good (8.7%). Sadness or anxiety was reported by 87.0%, low self-esteem by 82.6%, depression by 75.0%, and lack of family support by 79.3%. Physical activity at least three times weekly was significantly associated with quality of life (p<0.001). Treatment status, hormonal contraception use, inositol use, and dietary practice were not significantly associated with quality of life. Selected psychosocial associations require coding verification before final interpretation. Conclusion: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may report favorable global quality of life despite substantial psychosocial burden. Integrated care should include lifestyle counseling, psychological screening, and social support
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