Julie Tomlinson1,2,3, Jonathan Pinkney3,4, Linda Adams5, Elizabeth Stenhouse6, Alison Bendall5, Oonagh Corrigan7, Gayle Letherby5. 1. Pool Health Centre, Cornwall, UK. 2. St. Austell Healthcare, Cornwall, UK. 3. Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, UK. 4. Department of Endocrinology, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK. 5. Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK. 6. School of Midwifery, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK. 7. Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK.
Abstract
AIMS: To explore the impact of the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome on health/ill health identity, how women experience this diagnosis and their health beliefs. BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common and heterogeneous condition, giving rise to a wide range of different health concerns. Previous research on polycystic ovary syndrome has been dominated by the medical perspective and less is known about the experiences and needs of women. DESIGN: A qualitative study of 32 premenopausal adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome (diagnosis confirmed by Rotterdam criteria), aged between 18 and 45 years, recruited from a primary and secondary care setting. METHODS: Thematic analysis of transcripts from 11 focus groups conducted between 2013-2015. RESULTS/ FINDINGS: Women identified a range of concerns affecting personal and reproductive identity, health knowledge and beliefs: (1) delays and barriers to diagnosis; (2) general lack of empathy by the medical profession; (3) difficulty in accessing specialist referral; (4) lack of information from professionals; (5) inconsistent and sometimes unsatisfactory experiences with medications; (6) insufficient help and advice regarding in/fertility; (7) relative lack of awareness or concern about longer term risks such as diabetes; and (8) significant discrepancies between the beliefs of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and how they experienced the attitudes of healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a divergence between women's experience and attitudes of healthcare professionals. The diagnosis, support and lived experience of women with polycystic ovary syndrome could be enhanced by better professional recognition of these concerns, improved knowledge and communication about polycystic ovary syndrome and better access to support and specialist advice.
AIMS: To explore the impact of the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome on health/ill health identity, how women experience this diagnosis and their health beliefs. BACKGROUND:Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common and heterogeneous condition, giving rise to a wide range of different health concerns. Previous research on polycystic ovary syndrome has been dominated by the medical perspective and less is known about the experiences and needs of women. DESIGN: A qualitative study of 32 premenopausal adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome (diagnosis confirmed by Rotterdam criteria), aged between 18 and 45 years, recruited from a primary and secondary care setting. METHODS: Thematic analysis of transcripts from 11 focus groups conducted between 2013-2015. RESULTS/ FINDINGS:Women identified a range of concerns affecting personal and reproductive identity, health knowledge and beliefs: (1) delays and barriers to diagnosis; (2) general lack of empathy by the medical profession; (3) difficulty in accessing specialist referral; (4) lack of information from professionals; (5) inconsistent and sometimes unsatisfactory experiences with medications; (6) insufficient help and advice regarding in/fertility; (7) relative lack of awareness or concern about longer term risks such as diabetes; and (8) significant discrepancies between the beliefs of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and how they experienced the attitudes of healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a divergence between women's experience and attitudes of healthcare professionals. The diagnosis, support and lived experience of women with polycystic ovary syndrome could be enhanced by better professional recognition of these concerns, improved knowledge and communication about polycystic ovary syndrome and better access to support and specialist advice.
Authors: Jasmina Djedjibegovic; Aleksandra Marjanovic; Ilhana Kobilica; Amila Turalic; Aida Lugusic; Miroslav Sober Journal: AIMS Public Health Date: 2020-07-08
Authors: Siew Lim; Caroline A Smith; Michael F Costello; Freya MacMillan; Lisa Moran; Carolyn Ee Journal: BMC Endocr Disord Date: 2019-10-23 Impact factor: 2.763