Sociocultural Correlates of Health-Related Quality of Life of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder of women. Chronic complex symptomology and long-term comorbidity risk associated with PCOS may have negative effects on the quality of life of women. Current study assessed the sociocultural correlates of HRQOL of women suffering from PCOS. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with hundred women diagnosed with PCOS at De Soysa Hospital for Women. World Health Organization Quality of life - Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) and a general information sheet were used to assess HRQOL and participants characteristics respectively. Higher age at PCOS was associated with lower overall QOL (β=-0.357, p=0.010) and overall health (β=-0.371, p=0.004). Current unemployment was associated with lower overall QOL (β=-0.269, p=0.009) and physical QOL (β=-0.206, p=0.039). Having no children was associated with lower overall QOL (β=-0.313, p=0.005). Not following diet and exercise advices was associated with lower overall health (β=-0.239, p=0.011), physical QOL (β=0.279, p=0.005) and psychological QOL (β=0.250, p=0.019). Education level (AL) was associated with higher overall QOL (β=-0.349, p=0.007), physical QOL (β=0.258, p=0.041) and environmental QOL (β=0.366, p=0.006). Education level (OL) was associated with higher physical QOL (β=0.278, p=0.026). Higher income level was associated with higher physical QOL (β=0.274, p=0.011). Tamil ethnicity was associated with higher overall health (β=0.248, p=0.045). Religion as Christian or Roman Catholic was associated with higher physical QOL (β=0.225, p=0.026). Sociocultural factors were predictive of the level of HRQOL. Higher age at PCOS diagnosis, having no children, current unemployment and not following diet exercise advices were predictive of low HRQOL. Higher education and income levels, Tamil ethnicity and Christian or Roman Catholic religion were predictive of high HRQOL.