Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects 6% to 10% of women of reproductive age. Lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and behavioral modification, appear to improve the metabolic and reproductive abnormalities of overweight and obese girls with PCOS.
Aim of the study: was to evaluate of the effect of lifestyle changes on symptoms of Polycystic ovarian syndrome in obese girls.
Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized.
Setting: The study was conducted in the Faculty of Nursing at Benha University.
Sample: Multistage sample (543) were included to assess the girls with polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms. All girls with polycystic ovary symptoms screened by the physician through abdominal ultrasound diagnoses (140). The girls diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome for the intervention study (78).
Tools used for data collection consisted of (1) A self-administered questionnaire to assess the girls socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, menstrual patterns, lifestyle habits and knowledge about PCOS, (2) Two Arabic Weekly log to record regularity of diet & exercise, and (3) Follow up sheet to record the changing in symptoms pre/post intervention such as Anthropometrics measurement, The Ferriman- Gallwey scale to assess hirsutism, Global Acne Grading System (GAGS).(4) Psychological assessment tool to assess psychological health related quality of life of the studied girls.
Results: reveled that there was a highly statistically significant difference regarding knowledge about PCOS and a highly significant improvement of menstrual frequency, menstrual problems and weight loss post intervention (P＜.001). Also highly significant decreases in waist circumference(P＜.001), highly significant reduction in hirsutism total score and total acne score. Also significant difference in psychological status post intervention .
Conclusion: the study concluded that the lifestyle changes positively affect in reducing symptoms of PCOS .
Recommendations: Motivate the nurses in counseling the PCOS girls on lifestyle change. Further research with larger sample size at different institutions is recommended which focus on the optimal dietary strategies and exercise regimens for treatment of PCOS. |
