Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Health Education and Promotion

Advisor

Nina Bell

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex women’s health condition that reduces women’s quality of life, leading to health complications, such as menstruation issues, infertility, insulin resistance, risk of type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, emotional stress, being overweight or obese, and more. Research on PCOS has focused on the etiology and complications in women from different ethnicities. But limited research has explored the experiences and perspectives of Middle Eastern (ME) women in the United States with PCOS related to PCOS health education. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of ME women of reproductive age (ages 18–45) with PCOS health education provided by their health care providers (HCPs). Three research questions aimed to explore ME women’s perspectives and experiences, health beliefs, and cues to actions regarding PCOS health education provided by their HCPs. An interview questionnaire was used to interview seven ME women. This qualitative study was guided by the basic interpretive approach, and the health belief model six constructs were used to analyze participants’ behavior related to PCOS. MAXQDA and Microsoft Word were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that ME women with PCOS experienced inadequate PCOS health education that emphasizes lifestyle changes and poor communication with HCPs. Recommendations are to improve between HCPs and ME women with PCOS and provide adequate PCOS health education. Positive social change implications include creating a comprehensive PCOS health education for HCPs to provide for ME women with PCOS that is culturally competent.

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