QUALITY OF LIFE OF SCHOOL GOING GIRLS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY DISEASE

Abstract

: Polycystic ovarian Disease is an endocrine disorder commonly affecting the adolescent girls. Globally, the prevalence rate is around 4 to 12% and it affects 5 to 10% women in their reproductive age group. Quality of life is an important aspect of health and well-being. Quality of life is reduced in women with polycystic ovary Disease, but there is limited data in school going girls. Aim: This study aimed to assess the quality of life of School going girls with polycystic ovary Disease and exploring the association between selected demographic variables and Quality of life. Methodology: A descriptive study with a quantitative approach was conducted in two schools of Gurugram. A total of 100 girls aged 13–18 years with diagnosed polycystic ovary Disease were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected by using a semi structured questionnaire that included demographic details and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO QoL-BREF) questionnaire with four domains (physical, psychological, social, and environment). The reliability of tools were established (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study revealed that 36% of participants were aged 13–14 years, 44% followed a sedentary lifestyle, and 54% were overweight. Menstrual irregularities (51%) and painful periods (89%) were common, while 60% of participants were undergoing treatment for polycystic ovary Disease. Quality of Life scores were compromised across all domains, with the highest mean score in social relationships (14.27±3.82) and the lowest in the physical domain (12.22±3.28). There was a significant association found between psychological health domain score with selected demographic variables i.e. Body Mass Index: (χ² = 6.32, p = 0.04), Age at Menarche (χ² = 8.14, p = 0.04) and Type of Menstruation (χ² = 4.56, p = 0.03) whereas other Quality of Life domain like physical health, environment, and social relationship domain were not significantly associated with selected demographic variables. Conclusion: Polycystic ovary Disease significantly impacts the Quality of Life of School going girls across all four domains but social domain was the most severely impacted the Quality of Life, followed by environmental and psychological health, which may be exacerbated by symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and excess hair growth. The results also concluded that overweight and sedentary lifestyle behaviors, early onset of menarche, and type of menstruation are significant factors influencing the psychological health of these adolescents. So, Empowering school going girls with autonomy and enhancing their ability to manage polycystic ovary Disease symptoms can lead to better long-term outcomes.