Health Beliefs of Career Women Living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Accra Metropolis

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Although many studies have investigated the prevalence of PCOS, there are however discrepancies in their results. The study therefore explored the experiences of career women living with PCOS in Accra metropolis. The Health Belief Model (2002) was used as an organizing outline for this study. This qualitative research adopted a descriptive exploratory design. Thirteen (13) career women with PCOS who met the inclusion criteria in the Accra metropolis were purposively selected. Data was collected by means of face-to-face interviews using a semi structured interview guide. The study revealed that majority of the participants attributed PCOS to imbalance in the hormones of women, irregular menses and that PCOS affects the ovaries of women. Findings of the study revealed that the major source of knowledge on PCOS is the hospital staff. All thirteen (13) participants admitted that the major barrier to accessing care is financial constraints. Majority of the participants also observed that women suffering from PCOS have problems in their marriages resulting in broken homes and divorce. Participants also observed that prevention and control of PCOS is early detection through regular medical check-up and screening from the adolescence to adulthood. However, the noninvolvement of other women who are not career women but are also diagnosed of PCOS was a major limitation. Based on the study results, the following recommendations were made to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana Health Service (GHS), Nursing education and Nursing and Midwifery researchers.