SFEBES2016 Poster Presentations Reproduction (33 abstracts)
Understanding and supporting women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a qualitative study in an ethnically diverse UK sample
Michelle Hadjiconstantinou 1 , Hamidreza Mani 1, , Naina Patel 1 , Miles Levy 2 , Melanie Davies 1, , Kamlesh Khunti 1 & Margaret Stone 1
1University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; 2University Hospitals of Leicester NHS TRust, Leicester, UK.
Background and aims: Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, lifelong condition. Its associated symptoms have been linked with psychological consequences, but less attention has been given to the daily implications of living with the condition. We aimed to explore women’s experiences of living with PCOS, including a specific focus on practical implications and methods of providing support such as structured group-based patient education.
Methods: Women with PCOS were recruited from an ethnically diverse UK community. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted. Analysis was underpinned by the constant comparative approach and involved identification and exploration of key themes.
Results: Participants reported a range of symptoms linked with PCOS, including problems relating to menstruation and difficulties with weight. Hirsutism was reported as the most distressing symptom. Emergent themes included perceptions about symptoms and delays in receiving a diagnosis; psychological distress; practical implications of living with the condition; coping with PCOS and perceived support needs. Some findings were suggested to be specific to women from different cultural backgrounds, for example, failure to recognise symptoms that were seen as normal within their ethnic group. Participants were generally supportive of the idea of group education for women with PCOS and suggested a need to provide education within the wider community and for health care providers.
Conclusion: Women with PCOS experience high psychological distress and difficulties with coping with their condition. Suggested strategies for support include increased provision of education at various levels that could help reduce the negative psychological and practical impact of symptoms.
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Endocrine Abstracts
ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)
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