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Experiences of Diagnosis and Treatment Barriers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of Stakeholder Perspectives
Dalarna University, School of Health and Welfare.
Dalarna University, School of Health and Welfare.
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting 5.5–11.5% of the global population. Despite evolving diagnostic criteria, inconsistencies and overlapping symptoms often delay diagnoses. Symptoms such as hyperandrogenism, infertility, and mental health issues severely impact the quality of life and are exacerbated by cultural stigma and distrust towards healthcare professionals. Management primarily involves symptom relief, but gaps in healthcare delivery persist. Aim: To explore the barriers experienced by individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome in accessing diagnosis and treatment, and by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in providing them. Methodology: A comprehensive search strategy was conducted across multiple databases. Eligibility criteria focused on qualitative articles in the last ten years. Articles were screened using the PRISMA approach, appraised with the JBI tool, and thematically analysed to synthesise key findings. Results: The included articles (n=22) came from Australia (n=7), UK (n= 6), Canada (n=4), USA (n=3), India (n=2). Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis. 1. “Challenges in Healthcare Professional–Patient Interaction”: Barriers include: Lack of Empathy and Clinical Inaction by Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Professionals’ Biased Mindsets, Justification and Dismissal of Health Concerns by Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Professional Preference and Conflicting Advice. 2. “Sociocultural Norms and Internalised Beliefs”: Barriers include: Social Expectations of “Normal”, Cultural Influence and Internalised Shame. 3. “Information Gaps and Burden of Understanding”: Barriers include: Misinformation and Lack of Public Knowledge, Patient Self-Education and Advocacy, Healthcare Professionals’ Gap in Knowledge and Information. 4. “Healthcare System and Infrastructure”: Barriers include: Insufficient Evidence Driving Clinical Uncertainty, Guideline Gaps, Constraints in Care Delivery, and Financial Strain. Conclusion: Addressing the multi-faceted barriers may help in reducing inequities in access to care, respectful care, increased quality of life and health outcomes for the individuals with PCOS.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025.
Keywords [en]
Barriers, Diagnosis, Experiences, Literature Review, PCOS, Thematic Analysis, Treatment
National Category
Health Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:du-51157OAI: oai:DiVA.org:du-51157DiVA, id: diva2:1993101
Subject / course
Sexual Reproductive Perinatal Health
Available from: 2025-08-29 Created: 2025-08-29 Last updated: 2025-10-09

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CiteExportLink to record
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Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • chicago-author-date
  • chicago-note-bibliography
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
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  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf