Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keywords

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Purpose Statement The purpose of the study was to describe the experiences of women clinically diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Accomplished through a descriptive qualitative research design, the researchers were able to determine the life experiences of participants by answering the grand tour question, “What are your experiences as a woman diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?” (Ano ang iyong mga karanasan bilang isang babae nasuring may Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?)

Scope and Limitations The participants of the study were women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), whose ages ranged from eighteen (18) to forty-five (45) years old, presented a medical certificate issued within the last twelve (12) months and was indicative of their diagnosis with PCOS, and were willing to participate in the study. However, women with comorbidities that may cause infertility were excluded. The data gathered from this study can be subjected to other interpretations hence, the study did not intend to generalize the lived experiences of all women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Rather, the study only made a representation of the participants’ experiences.

Methodology A descriptive qualitative approach was used in the study to vividly describe the lived experiences of the participants. The condition of having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) was a phenomenon and the women, who were clinically diagnosed were the ones who described their experiences. The analysis of the data was based on the thematic analysis approach by Braun and Clark (2012), which explores each information received from the participants and creates a dynamic link which further simplifies the data and themes of the transcribed interviews from the target respondents. The researcher used an in-depth, both face to face and online, interviews with all nine (9) participants in the study using an audio recorder. Observation of nonverbal cues was also done while interviews were being conducted.

Major Findings This study explored the experiences of women diagnosed with PCOS through three themes: The Awakening, The Storm Within, and Finding Still Waters. “The Awakening” examined pre-diagnosis experiences, subcategorized as “The Cycle's Dissonance” (physiological symptoms like amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea) and The Body's Echoes (physical manifestations like acne and weight gain). “The Storm Within” investigated the participants' reactions after diagnosis, divided into sub-themes: A Sea of Emotions (focusing on personal emotions like sadness, fear, regret, and an initial lack of knowledge) and The Weight of Expectations (encompassing societal and familial pressures, where they felt validated, pressured, invalidated, supported, frustrated, and motivated). Lastly, “Finding Still Waters” analyzed post-diagnosis experiences, including the participants' goals and management strategies. Setting the Course revealed participants' focus on self-image, menstrual regulation, and conception strategies (with priorities shifting by age). Charting the Journey explored management approaches, including medical interventions (COCPs and metformin) and non-medical strategies (diet and exercise). This sub-theme highlighted varying responses to medications and the exploration of alternative approaches for conception.

First Advisor

Jamaica Rose L. Cerrero, RN, MAN

Download

Share

COinS