Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life and the Role of Social Support in Reducing the Severity of Symptoms in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder that affects women’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to assess the HRQoL and identify the significant factors associated with it among women with PCOS in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 250 Saudi women registered with King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh. Data were collected using the PCOS questionnaire and the social support survey (SSS) questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were utilized to explore the association between social support and PCOS HRQoL symptoms.

More than 50% of the women reported that PCOS significantly affected their HRQoL. Lack of social support in form of tangible support was significantly associated with severe PCOS symptoms, namely emotions [2.53 (1.01, 6.33)], body hair [2.82 (1.17, 6.84)], weight [2.35 (1.01, 6.09)], and infertility [11.63 (3.94, 34.34)], whereas lack of emotional support was associated with severe menstrual symptoms [1.86 (1.01, 3.76)]. Marital status [3.87 (1.85, 8.10)], aged < 32 years [2.60 (1.27, 5.31)], and housewives [2.69 (1.05, 5.06)] reported severe infertility symptoms. Employed women [2.22 (1.0, 5.06)] reported severe menstrual symptoms, whereas having BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² [3.31 (1.80, 6.07)] reported weight-related symptoms.

This study highlights the significant impact of social support and sociodemographic factors on women’s HRQoL in Saudi Arabia. The study implies the need for tailored interventions to improve the HRQoL of women with PCOS, particularly for those who lack sufficient social support. Health policy should focus on creation of social support groups to provide counseling and support to the women at the community level.