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Lived Psychosocial Experiences of Women with Polycystic

Ovary Syndrome: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
(IPA)
Syeda M. Fatima1, Rafia Rafique2, and Shamsa Kanwal3*

Abstract

Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormone problem associated with the several

symptoms like having too much hair on their face and body, being overweight, having pimples,

losing hair on their head, and having irregular periods. It affects 6 to 8 out of 100 women who

are adults. The objective of the study was to take an in depth and holistic perspective of young

women with polycystic ovary syndrome by examining the intricate interplay of Psycho-social

influences on their living. After the research was approved by the ethical review board

participants were recruited from gynecology department of a hospital who volunteered to be a

part of the study. Participants were briefed about their right to withdraw and were told in the

consent form that interviews will be audio recorded. However, confidentially and privacy was

maintained. Six voluntary participants who suffered from PCOS from at least 1 or more years

were chosen by purposive sampling to take part in the study. Women who have comorbidities

with PCOS were excluded from the study. Semi structured Interviews were conducted in English

and Urdu languages and were approximately 45 minutes long. The researcher had prepared some

questions beforehand and asked appropriate clarifying questions. The present study used

*
Correspondence:
Shamsa Kanwal
shamsakanwal886@gmail.com
1
Institue of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
2
Institue of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
3
Department of Psychology, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to take an in depth and holistic perspective of

young women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Result After analysis results showed 5 master themes, 13 themes and 75 subordinate themes.

Five master themes were psychological experiences (behavioral, emotional, cognitive),

physiological experiences (reproductive and hormonal issues and effects of medication), social

experiences (appearance related issues, social stigma), perceived support system (family support,

friends support, health care support) and coping strategies (life style changes, medical

interventions, psychological interventions)

Conclusion The findings underscore the need for holistic interventions addressing coping

strategies that can be effective and acceptable in order to manage their symptoms while

improving the quality of life by reducing long term complications. By unraveling the

complexities of these experiences, this study contributes to the broader discourse on women’s

health and quality of life.

Keywords PCOS, IPA, Psycho-social

*
Correspondence:
Shamsa Kanwal
shamsakanwal886@gmail.com
1
Institue of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
2
Institue of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
3
Department of Psychology, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan