Exploring the Lived Experiences and Coping Mechanisms of Unmarried Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Pakistan

    Zahra Athar, Naureen Javed
    TLDR Unmarried women with PCOS in Pakistan face stigma and use various strategies to cope, needing better support and accurate information.
    The study explored the lived experiences and coping mechanisms of unmarried women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Pakistan, highlighting the stigma, misinformation, and societal pressures they face. Using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, it revealed that these women employ various strategies to manage anxiety related to excessive hair growth, including medications, diet, exercise, and natural remedies. The research emphasized the critical role of familial support and access to accurate information in managing emotional well-being. It called for culturally appropriate interventions to reduce societal stigma and improve healthcare services, potentially influencing policy adjustments to better support women with PCOS.
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