Development of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms Inventory

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms Inventory: Development, Validity and Reliability in Turkey

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptom Severity and Distress Inventory: Development, Validity and Reliability in Turkey

The goal of this observational study is to develop and validate a self-report inventory that assesses Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and the level of distress experienced by women diagnosed with PCOS. The main question it aims to answer is:

Is the newly developed inventory a valid and reliable instrument for assessing PCOS symptoms and related distress in women?

Participants will answer online survey questions including a demographic information form and three scales evaluating psychological health and PCOS related symptoms, including the newly developed symptom and distress inventory.

The research is a methodological scale development study.

A review of the literature reveals that despite strong evidence linking Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life, current assessment tools often fail to adequately represent psychological symptoms. There is a critical need for holistic and culturally sensitive instruments that address both the physical and psychological dimensions of PCOS. It is therefore thought that the developed scale will fill an important gap.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a woman aged 18-49 (of reproductive age) who states she has been diagnosed with PCOS
• Being able to read and understand Turkish
• Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a disease that could cause symptoms similar to PCOS (such as Cushing's syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, androgen-secreting tumors)