The experiences of Maltese women living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the emotional and psychological toll that this condition has on women has not been explored enough, even locally. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the lived experiences of Maltese women diagnosed with PCOS, and this study is also assumed to be the first one to occur in Malta. This research aims to create more awareness about what it is like for women to live with this condition, such as how they manage the symptoms and how they cope in their daily lives. Through acknowledging and appreciating the experiences PCOS, this study also hopes that better medical and psychological support through proper interventions can be provided for women affected by this condition. Six Maltese females aged eighteen years and over volunteered to participate in this study. Study participants took part in semi-structured interviews via Zoom and the qualitative methodology that this study adopted is Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five superordinate themes emerged from data analysis, which were accompanied by other various related sub-themes. The findings suggest that they align with other international studies related to the experiences of PCOS. PCOS management requires a multidisciplinary approach to manage the biopsychosocial aspects of this condition.