Predictive factors of Sexual Quality of Life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a path analysis.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common endocrine disorders. This study aimed to assess predictive factors of sexual quality of life among Iranian women with PCOS. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women with PCOS in Hamadan, Iran, from July to October 2021. Data was collected using The Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire, The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Compatibility, hirsutism, and a general health questionnaire (GHQ-28). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Bivariate Pearson correlations, and a path model by the SPSS, Version 16, and LISREL software version 8.5. The average age of participants was 32.80 years. The mean (SD) of the total SQOL-F, sexual compatibility, and GHQ were 69.36 (18.78), 55.44 (7.07), and 58.06 (12.87), respectively. Our results showed that hirsutism score, GHQ, and sexual compatibility were the main predictors of the SQOL-F. Sexual compatibility has an indirect effect on the SQOL-F through the GHQ. The findings of the present study suggest that women with PCOS should be routinely screened for sexual quality of life by qualified health professionals. In addition, the necessary medical interventions and counseling should be done for improving sexual compatibility, mental health, and clinical manifestation of these women.