Date Presented 04/03/2025
Hispanic women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have higher levels of anxiety and depression and lower quality of life. OT treatment implications for women with PCOS include improving their quality of life by addressing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Primary Author and Speaker: Dahlia Castillo
Additional Authors and Speakers: Alexandria Mata
PURPOSE: According to various studies, white, black and Iranian women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have high scores on measures of anxiety and depression and lower quality of life. The purpose of this study is to identify if differences exist between Hispanic women diagnosed with and without PCOS in measures of quality of life, anxiety, depression and occupational participation.
DESIGN: This mixed method quasi-experimental research study used purposeful sampling to recruit participants. Eligibility criteria: Hispanic women ages 18-45 residing in four counties in south Texas. In a Qualtrics survey, women provided demographics, completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF), General Anxiety Disorder 7 Form (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8); and two open ended questions related to engagement in meaningful occupations.
METHOD: Women in a predominantly (∼90%) Hispanic area of Texas were recruited to complete an online survey that included three surveys and two qualitative questions. Using SPSS software, split data was analyzed using independent group t-test for each measure to compare mean scores of WHOQOL-BREF, GAD-7, and PHQ-8 between the two groups. Qualitative data was coded for thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Preliminary data analysis of 40 participants, 16 with PCOS and 24 without the diagnosis, indicate significant (p<.001) differences in scores on all three measures. Thematic analysis shows details of lack of participation in meaningful occupations.
CONCLUSION: Similar to findings of white, black, and Iranian women, Hispanic women report higher levels of anxiety and depression and lower quality of life. Findings suggest potential women’s health needs for OT services to address quality of life through treatment for anxiety and depression symptoms related to improving participation in meaningful occupations through individual evaluation and treatment for symptoms.
References
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