Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Susana Verdinelli

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a severe public and clinical health issue that puts a strain on health care resources and adversely affects the health of women throughout their life span. The syndrome has adverse reproductive and metabolic features linked to infertility, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and psychological problems. The literature provides evidence that the quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being of PCOS reproductive-age women is compromised due to comorbidities related to both the reproductive and metabolic features of the syndrome. Little research has been conducted to investigate the QoL of menopausal women ages 48–65 who were diagnosed with PCOS during their reproductive years, ages 18 to 45. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the QoL of PCOS menopausal women diagnosed during their reproductive years. The conceptual framework the World Health Organization developed to conceptualize QoL was used in this study. Participants were recruited and interviewed via online conferencing. Data were collected from 10 semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results indicate that the QoL of women with PCOS is aggravated. Participants described several psychological and physical conditions related to PCOS and menopause. The findings of this study could have implications for positive social change by leading to the development, implementation, and practice of interventions in health settings that may improve the QoL of menopausal women who were diagnosed with PCOS in their reproductive years.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

 
COinS