Exploring Psychological Well-being through the Lens of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Photovoice Investigation in India

Abstract

 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic health condition that can have detrimental effects on a woman's physical and psychological health. Apart from the various clinical manifestations like hirsutism, hyperandrogenism, metabolic disturbances, insulin resistance, obesity, infertility, alopecia, oligomenorrhea, anovulation, etc, women with PCOS are more likely to experience psychological implications like depression and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, somatization, etc, leading to decreased quality of life as compared to women without the condition. The unique subjective experiences to identify factors of psychological well-being among women with PCOS have not been adequately explored in India in depth through qualitative measures. The study aims to understand and explore psychological well-being among ten women clinically diagnosed with PCOS, aged between 18 to 45 years, by employing a photovoice, which served as a tool of self-reflection as well as a means of creative expression while undergoing psychological distress associated with PCOS. The outcomes from the diary entries were analysed and discussed employing Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA)  to identify the patterns and themes. The four themes identified from the dataset were, namely, a journey of self-acceptance and unconditional self-love, redefining the concept of “beautiful” and embracing vulnerability, social support, and the need for a safe space to belong, as well as empowerment and personal growth.  The study emphasises the importance of awareness of PCOS to reduce the taboo and stigma associated with menstrual health in India and the need for more health facilities to acknowledge and improve the psychological health of women with PCOS.