Risk perception, health behavior and mental health of women living with polycystic ovary syndrome

This study aimed to explore the psychological challenges faced by women living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their subjective experiences. Using a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based design, we first conducted a comparative analysis of responses from 54 PCOS patients and 54 age-matched healthy participants. The analysis revealed a significant difference in satisfaction with life (SWL) between the two groups (<i>F</i> = 9.426, <i>p</i> < .005), while no significant differences were found in levels of anxiety and depression. Additionally, depression was found to have a significant impact on SWL (<i>F</i> = 55.309, <i>p</i> < .001). To further investigate the subjective well-being of PCOS patients, a larger group of 389 PCOS patients (age: <i>M</i> = 32.18 years, SD = 8.34) completed the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire (PCOSQ) (QoL Scale). A ranking of their concerns revealed that obesity-related issues were the most significant, while concerns about developing cancer were ranked last. The PCOSQ scores showed a strong negative correlation with the BDI (<i>r</i> = -0.754, <i>p</i> < .001), highlighting the profound impact of PCOS symptoms on depression. These findings underscore the importance of prevention, screening and treatment for depression in PCOS patients, as well as the importance of educating patients to improve their risk perception and disease management strategies.