Fear and Hope, The New Perspective of Iranian Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Qualitative Study

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrinopathies in women of reproductive age. This condition can increase the risk of physical and mental diseases. Improvement in medicine has led to increased Quality of Life (QOL), which can change patients' perception regarding their chronic condition. Therefore, this study was carried out to understand the impact of scientific progress on the view of women with PCOS toward their disease. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was based on the conventional content analysis approach. It was carried out using purposive sampling on 18 women with PCOS between April 2021 and January 2022, in Kerman, Iran. Semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted. After transcribing the recorded interviews, the texts were reviewed several times. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. The codes, subthemes, and main themes were extracted according to the opinions of experts in qualitative sciences. Results: As a result of the content analysis of codes, two themes (hope and fear), six main categories (infertility treatment, outward appearance, support, presence in the community, decreased relationship and intimacy with spouse, and complications of the disease and the need for complementary treatments), and 30 subcategories were obtained. Conclusions: According to the findings, it is better to develop programs to improve the QOL and the treatment process of these patients in terms of spiritual, psychological, financial, and informational support, which can be implemented by health and medical personnel and managers of various categories of medical sciences, associations, and charities.