title: Health-related quality of life among adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two out-patient gynecology clinics in Yorkshire, England.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen young women diagnosed with PCOS were recruited.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semistructured interviews were carried out, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo software version 2.0.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A few areas were identified where PCOS had a positive impact upon HRQoL (e.g., improved relationships). However, overall the condition had a negative impact upon HRQoL. Weight problems (in particular the difficulties associated with managing/maintaining weight) and body perceptions appeared to be the most significant contributors to a reduced HRQoL. Menstrual dysfunction, fertility issues, and hirsutism also had adverse affects on emotional well-being, self-perception (including poor body image, self-consciousness, & low self-esteem), social functioning, and sexual behavior. A number of participants described receiving insufficient information from health care professionals (HCPs) and negative experiences in relation to the diagnosis and management of their condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, PCOS has a negative impact on the HR QoL of adolescent girls with the condition. Emotional and social functioning appeared to be most affected rather than areas of physical functioning. Future research is needed to identify ways to improve communication between adolescents with PCOS and their HCPs, particularly around the diagnosis and potential for infertility. Finally, HCPs need to be more aware of the emotional impact of PCOS upon adolescents' HRQoL and of the potential for poor sexual health through risk-taking behaviors that may occur due to the potential loss of fertility.
authors.affiliation: Health Services Research Section, ScHARR, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, UK. gl.jones@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: Georgina L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Jennie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Hany L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Lashen
authors.forename: Adam H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Balen
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Ledger
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult