Threats to Feminine Identity as the Main Concern of Iranian Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder in adolescents; this study seeks to elaborate the main concerns of adolescents with PCOS. DESIGN AND METHODS: This qualitative content analysis was conducted on 15 adolescents with PCOS using purposive sampling in 2018. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were held for data collection, and data saturation occurred when no new data were being obtained. Data were analyzed concurrently with data collection. RESULTS: Fifteen adolescents with PCOS aged 13-19 years were enrolled into the study. Thirteen were single and two were married. The data analysis led to the extraction of "threats to feminine identity" as the main theme of this research, which was then divided into two categories 1) concerns about attractiveness, with subcategories including fashion-related stress and the loss of physical beauty 2) concerns about femininity, with subcategories including the underlying issues of worrying about future marriage prospects, anxiety about infertility in the future and stress about menstrual abnormalities. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, attractiveness and threat to femininity is the main concern of adolescents with PCOS that should be further considered in the management of their treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Understanding the main concerns of adolescents with PCOS can help healthcare professionals better manage this disease in this population subgroup.