HRQoL, Ethnicity & PCOS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Impact of Ethnicity & Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) upon Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL): A cross-sectional study
IRAS ID
85977
Contact name
Deborah McClean
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 2 days
Research summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological problem affecting women. Patients with PCOS demonstrate a combination of characteristics which may include absent or irregular periods, excess hair and weight, acne, male patterned baldness, evidence of increased androgen levels and morphological changes in the ovary evident on ultrasonography. These symptoms are known to have a detrimental impact upon the woman’s health-related quality of life. The purpose of this study is to identify whether there are differences in symptoms, biochemical factors, HRQoL and depression and anxiety factors within a culturally diverse group of women with PCOS. Differences have been found in symptom, biochemical and HRQoL parameters in women with PCOS from different ethnic backgrounds. However, despite this, previous studies in the area have focused predominately upon women from South East Asia and there is a great paucity of research comparing the influence of other ethnicities or cultural backgrounds on HRQoL in women with this condition. Therefore, this cross sectional study aims to compare the HRQoL in women with PCOS who are from a diverse ethnic group. We also aim to identify which QoL parameters are most affected with the different ethnic groups. Women will be recruited from the fertility clinics of the Homerton University Hospital. This hospital has a very wide diversity of ethnic origin. The patients that fit the inclusion criteria of being diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria and women who can read and speak English will be recruited.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0542
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion