Coping Strategies in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; A Qualitative Research

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has major effects on various aspects of life in these patients. Moreover، the concept of ability to cope with illness could be important in the evaluation of patients’ quality of life. Therefore، understanding of the patient''s adaptation seems to be necessary. The aim of the present study is to provide a deep understanding of the coping strategies used by patients with PCOS. This study is qualitative content analysis and in order to conduct the study، through an in-depth interview، twenty patients with PCOS were purposively selected. The main themes derived from the data were centered thinking (religious beliefs، thoughts paradox)، practical steps (positive steps such as information and treatment seeking and negative steps such as separation and hiding) and support seeking (family support، peer support، friend support). Patients in coping with PCOS were experiencing different conditions in various aspects of life: individual، family and social life. Some of these patients were not successful in effective coping and others were well adapted by support of others، religious and spiritual background and optimism. Given the high prevalence of physical، psychological and social problems in these patients، strengthening coping resources and identifying barriers can help to reconcile these patients to their disease and improve their quality of life.