A self-monitoring supported educational intervention to improve quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled study

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder that can adversely affect women’s quality of life through menstrual, metabolic, reproductive, dermatological and psychosocial symptoms. Lifestyle education and self-monitoring may support behavioral change and improve women’s health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effect of a self-monitoring supported educational intervention on quality of life among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This randomized controlled study used a pre-test/post-test design. Eighty women with physician-confirmed polycystic ovary syndrome were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. Seventy participants completed the follow-up assessment and were included in the analysis, with 35 women in each group. The intervention group received structured education on polycystic ovary syndrome and lifestyle management and used a 14-day motivational self-monitoring calendar. The control group received routine follow-up. Data were collected using a personal information form, a polycystic ovary syndrome characteristics form and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life-50 scale. Baseline group comparisons were conducted using independent samples t tests and chi-square tests. Intervention effects were evaluated using mixed-design analysis of variance and post hoc tests where appropriate. The groups were comparable at baseline in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index, lifestyle habits and polycystic ovary syndrome-related characteristics. Significant group × time interactions were found for psychosocial and emotional scores ( p = .044), obesity and menstrual disorders scores ( p = .002), coping scores ( p = .006), and total Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life-50 scores ( p = .008). No significant group × time interactions were observed for fertility, sexual function, or hirsutism scores. A brief, structured educational intervention supported by self-monitoring has been shown to result in short-term improvements in selected quality-of-life outcomes among women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. These improvements have been particularly noted in relation to psychosocial-emotional well-being, obesity and menstrual concerns, and coping. Further research is required in order to ascertain whether the observed enhancements can be maintained over an extended period, and whether the intervention under investigation should be integrated into standard clinical practice. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06401850. Registered on 2 May 2024. Retrospectively registered.