Chinese Ladies with PCOS: What do they worry about?

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with various psychological problems including having self-worth and body image problems. Past psychological studies have primarily focused on Caucasian women with very few focusing on the Chinese population. Traditional Chinese culture expect married women to fall into pregnancy after their get married so that the family tree can be extended. Chinese women with fertility issues have to face various pressure from their married family and can also be stigmatised unfairly. This study aims to fill in the gap of current lack of qualitative knowledge about the psychological effect from PCOS condition on Chinese women suffering from it. Method: A total of 57 Chinese women with PCOS were recruited in China and interviewed using a questionnaire based on these categories: Body weight, Body hair, Emotions, Fertility issue and Daily lifestyle. Result: This study found that there were significant factors responsible for the manner in which women with PCOS perceived themselves and for fears that existed while being diagnosed with PCOS. In general, most of these factors were geared towards the emotions of women with PCOS. A large portion of subjects reported that they felt they are not able to control PCOS and also have low self-esteem due to it. Furthermore, they worried about they may not be able to conceive and feeling depressed because of it. Conclusion: This study forms a basic yet important understanding of how Chinese women perceive PCOS and explores factors affecting them seeking medical attention for PCOS.