Quality of Life and Eating Disorders in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women worldwide, posing a major public health concern. This multifaceted condition significantly impairs quality of life (QOL) across multiple domains. AIM:To assess QOL and eating disorders (EDs) in patients with PCOS. METHODS:A cross-sectional descriptive and comparative study was conducted on women with confirmed PCOS who were followed in the Endocrinology Department of Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, and a targeted group of women with PCOS recruited through Google Forms. The PCOSQ-42 questionnaire for unmarried women, the PCOSQ-47 for married women, and the SCOFF questionnaire were used as assessment tools. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1, consisting of French participants, and Group 2, consisting of Tunisian participants. RESULTS:A total of 71 French participants (Group 1) and 101 Tunisian participants (Group 2) were included in the study. All participants reported a compromised QOL. Among married women, the psychological well-being domain had the lowest score (2.86 ± 0.7), while the menstrual and fertility disorders domain was the most affected among unmarried women, with an average score of 2.84 ± 0.8. EDs were identified in 70.93% of participants, with a higher prevalence among unmarried women. A better QOL was observed among married women in Group 2 compared to their counterparts in Group 1. CONCLUSION:The findings reveal a high prevalence of impaired QOL and EDs in women with PCOS, with cultural and marital status differences warranting tailored interventions.