Quality of life and Eating disorders in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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Published Dec 27, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i10.5880
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Vol. 103 No. 10 (2025): Tunis Med Oct 2025

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Mouna Elleuch
Department of endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia
Yesmine Elloumi
Department of endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia
Imen Turki
Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, 4002 Sousse, Tunisia
Khouloud Boujelbene
Department of endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia
Hamdi Frikha
Department of endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia
Nadia Charfi
Department of endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia
Mouna Mnif
Department of endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia
Faten Hadj Kacem
Department of endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia
Dhouha Ben Salah
Department of endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia
Nabila Mejdoub Rekik
Department of endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women worldwide, posing a major public health concern. This multifaceted condition significantly impairs quality of life (QOL) across multiple domains.


Aim: To assess QOL and eating disorders (EDs) in patients with PCOS.


Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and comparative study was conducted on women with confirmed PCOS who were followed in the Endocrinology Department of Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, and a targeted group of women with PCOS recruited through Google Forms. The PCOSQ-42 questionnaire for unmarried women, the PCOSQ-47 for married women, and the SCOFF questionnaire were used as assessment tools. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1, consisting of French participants, and Group 2, consisting of Tunisian participants.


Results: A total of 71 French participants (Group 1) and 101 Tunisian participants (Group 2) were included in the study. All participants reported a compromised QOL. Among married women, the psychological well-being domain had the lowest score (2.86 ± 0.7), while the menstrual and fertility disorders domain was the most affected among unmarried women, with an average score of 2.84 ± 0.8. EDs were identified in 70.93% of participants, with a higher prevalence among unmarried women. A better QOL was observed among married women in Group 2 compared to their counterparts in Group 1.


Conclusion: The findings reveal a high prevalence of impaired QOL and EDs in women with PCOS, with cultural and marital status differences warranting tailored interventions.

Keywords:

Eating disorders, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Quality of life, Women’s health

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