The Relationship between Quality of Life and Psychological Distress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress) among Women during Reproductive Age, With and Without PCOS

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent health condition characterized by hormonal imbalances in women. This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of PCOS on Quality of Life (QOL) and psychological distress, among 200 women (100 with PCOS, 100 without PCOS), in reproductive age, 14-49 years, according to WHO guidelines. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Quality of Life Scale (Williams et al., 2018), and DASS21 item scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), were used along with a self-structured demographic sheet and informed consent form. Data were analyzed in SPSS (V 27). Results indicated significant differences in various domains between women with and without PCOS. The results revealed a significant negative correlation between psychological distress and quality of life in both women with PCOS (r = -0.310, p < .01) and women without PCOS (r = -0.450, p < .01). Linear regression analysis indicated that psychological distress significantly predicted quality of life, explaining 9.6% of the variance in women with PCOS (B = -0.091, p = .002) and 20.2% of the variance in women without PCOS (B = -0.243, p < .001). This research will benefit society by informing educators and psychologists about the comprehensive impacts of PCOS on women's lives.

Keywords: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PCOS, Quality of Life, Mental Health, Psychological Distress.