Menstrual Symptoms, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Quality of Life, Stress
Conditions
Keywords
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, PCOS, Mindfulness-Based Education, Mindfulness, Menstrual Symptoms, Menstrual Pain, PCOS-Specific Quality of Life, Quality of Life
Brief summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), is the most common endocrinologic disorder to affect women. Despite this, the disease's pathophysiology remains unclear. This has hindered the diagnosis of the disease and the appropriate treatment for millions of individuals. The long-term health sequelae associated with PCOS, future directions, and areas of needed research in this often-overlooked disease. Women with PCOS may experience menstrual symptoms, increased stress, and difficulties in managing the physical and emotional effects of the condition. Supportive approaches that improve symptom management and quality of life may be beneficial in addition to routine care. The aim of this randomized controlled study is to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based PCOS education on menstrual symptoms, stress levels, and quality of life in women with PCOS. The study will examine whether a structured mindfulness-based education program can support women in managing PCOS-related symptoms and improving their overall well-being. Women diagnosed with PCOS who meet the study eligibility criteria will be invited to participate. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive a mindfulness-based PCOS education program, while those in the control group will receive routine care without it. Researchers will assess participants' menstrual symptoms, stress levels, and quality of life using validated measurement tools before and after the intervention. The findings of this study will provide information about the potential role of mindfulness-based education as a supportive approach in the management of PCOS and may contribute to the development of patient-centered education programs for women with PCOS.
Detailed description
Polikistik Over Sendromu (PCOS), üreme çağındaki kadınları etkileyen yaygın bir endokrinolojik rahatsızlıktır.is characterized by hormonal imbalance, ovulatory dysfunction, and clinical symptoms that may negatively affect reproductive health, psychological well-being, and quality of life. The effects of PCOS extend beyond reproductive symptoms, as women with PCOS may experience increased stress, emotionyaşayabilirs, and challenges in daily functioning. Current guidelines recommend a comprehensive approach to PCOS management that addresses not only physical symptoms but also psychological well-being and quality of life. Menstrual symptoms and stress are important factors that may influence the overall health status of women with PCOS. Therefore, supportive approaches that enance self-management skills and promote psychological well-being may play an important role in improving outcomes in PCOS. Mindfulness-based interventions are structured approaches that aim to improve awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily experiences through practices of attention and acceptance. Previous studies have shown that mindfulness-based programs may support stress management and psychological ell-being in different populations. However, evidence regarding mindfulness-based education specifically designed for women with PCOS remains limited. This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based PCOS education on menstrual symptoms, stress levels, and PCOS-related quality of life in women with PCOS. The study will investigate whether integrating mindfulness practices into a structured PCOS education program provides additional benefits compared with routine care. A total of 78 women with PCOS will participate in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the mindfulness-based PCOS educatin group or the control group. The intervention group will receive a 4-week online education program that includes PCOS-related health information, lifestyle managemet, and mindfulness-based practices. The control group will continue their usual care during the study period. Participant characteristics and clinical information will be collected using a researcher-developed Introductory Information Form. Study outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for menstrual pain severity, the Menstruation Symptom Scale for menstrual symptoms, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) for perceived stress levels, and the PCOS-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ-50) for disease-specific quality of life. The study is designed to provide evidence on the effectiveness oilişkinndfulness-based education as a supportive, patient-centered approach to PCOS management. The findings may contribute to the development of comprehensive education programs that address both physical symptoms and psychosocial needs of women with PCOS.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALMindfulness-Based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Education
A four-week online mindfulness-based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) education program will be provided to participants in the experimental group. The program will consist of weekly sessions lasting approximately 90 minutes and will include PCOS-related information, symptom management, lifestyle approaches, and mindfulness-based practices. Participants will also receive telephone-based support for questions and guidance related to the education program throughout the intervention period.
Sponsors
Aydin Adnan Menderes University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The study is open-label for participants, care providers, and investigators involved in the intervention process, given the nature of the educational intervention. The outcomes assessor will be blinded to participants' group allocation to reduce bias in the assessment.
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: a mindfulness-based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) education intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive a 4-week online mindfulness-based PCOS education program comprising weekly sessions lasting approximately 90 minutes each. The education program will include mindfulness-based practices, PCOS-related health information, and symptom management strategies. Participants will also receive telephone-based support for questions and guidance related to the education program throughout the intervention period. Participants in the control group will continue their usual care. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, after the intervention period, and at follow-up.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 49 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Self-identify as female. * Be of reproductive age (18-49 years). * Have a confirmed diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) based on the Rotterdam criteria. * Be able to read, understand, and communicate in Turkish. * Have access to the internet and a device capable of participating in online education sessions. * Be willing to attend the four-week online education program and complete all study assessments. * Provide written informed consent before participation.
Exclusion criteria
* Currently pregnant or breastfeeding. * Having a severe psychiatric disorder or cognitive impairment that may interfere with participation. * Having a serious chronic medical condition that could affect study outcomes or prevent participation in the intervention. * Currently participating in another interventional research study. * Having previously received structured mindfulness training or participated in a mindfulness-based program during the study period. * Being unable to attend the online education sessions or complete the study assessments. * Declining or withdrawing informed consent at any stage of the study.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| After intervention Menstrual Symptoms | immediately after the 4-week education program | The effect of mindfulness-based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) education on menstrual symptoms will be evaluated using the Menstruation Symptom Scale. Changes in menstrual symptom scores from baseline will be compared between the intervention and control groups across the study time points. |
| Immediately after intervention, PCOS-Specific Quality of Life (PCOSQ-50) | Immediately after the 4-week education program | The effect of mindfulness-based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) education on PCOS-specific quality of life will be evaluated using the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ-50). Changes in quality-of-life scores from baseline will be compared between the intervention and control groups. |
| After intervention Perceived Stress | immediately after the 4-week education program | The effect of mindfulness-based education on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on perceived stress levels will be evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Changes in perceived stress scores from baseline will be compared between the intervention and control groups at each study time point. |
| After intervention Menstrual Pain Severity | immediately after the 4-week education program | The effect of mindfulness-based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) education on menstrual pain severity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants will rate their menstrual pain intensity on a 10-cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Changes in menstrual pain severity scores from baseline will be compared between the intervention and control groups at each study time point. |
| PCOS-Specific Quality of Life | During registration (first day) | PCOS-specific quality of life will be assessed using the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ-50) before the education program. Baseline quality-of-life scores will be used to describe participants' initial status and to compare baseline characteristics between the intervention and control groups. |
| Menstrual Symptoms | Day 1 (During recruitment) | Women's current menstrual symptoms will be assessed using the Menstrual Symptom Scale during enrollment prior to the awareness-based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) education. Baseline symptom scores will be compared between the intervention and control groups throughout the study time points. |
| Perceived Stress | Day 1 (During recruitment) | Baseline perceived stress levels of participants will be assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) before the education program. Baseline stress levels will be evaluated to describe participants' initial status and compare baseline characteristics between the intervention and control groups. |
| Menstrual Pain Severity | Day 1 (during recruitment) | Women's current menstrual pain severity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before intervention. Participants will rate their menstrual pain intensity on a 10-cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). |
| Introduction form | During registration (first day) | Participants will complete a five-question introduction form, including four sociodemographic questions and a question about birth preferences. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in PCOS-Specific Quality of Life | at the 8-week follow-up. | Chances PCOS-specific quality of life will be assessed using the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ-50). Changes in quality-of-life scores will be compared between the intervention and control groups at the 8-week follow-up. |
| Change in Perceived Stress | 8-week follow-up | The effect of mindfulness-based education on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on perceived stress levels will be evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Changes in perceived stress scores will be compared between the intervention and control groups at each study time point. |
| Change in Menstrual Symptoms | 8-week follow-up | The effect of mindfulness-based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) education on menstrual symptoms will be evaluated using the Menstruation Symptom Scale. Changes in menstrual symptom scores will be compared between the intervention and control groups at each study time point. |
| Change in Menstrual Pain Severity | 8-week follow-up | The effect of mindfulness-based Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) education on menstrual pain severity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants will rate their menstrual pain intensity on a 10-cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Changes in pain severity scores will be compared between the intervention and control groups. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTGonca Buran, Associate Professor
Outcome results
None listed