Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Effects on the Worries of Women with Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women that can cause anxiety, psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling on the worries of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and methods This quasi experimental was implemented on 60 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, referring to health centers in Kerman, Iran, from April to September 2021. In the intervention group, MBSR was conducted in eight 90-minute sessions twice a week. A researcher-made questionnaire with 34 questions (with six domains includes worries related to mental complications, interpersonal problems, non-pregnancy physical complications, pregnancy complications, sexual complications, and religion issues) on the worries of women with polycystic ovary syndrome were completed by the participants in two intervention and control groups as pre and posttest and one month later. 22 SPSS statistical software was used for analysis. Results The mean score of worries in the intervention group(48.18 ± 5.18) compared to the control group(75.73 ± 8.08) was significantly reduced in total and in all six domains immediately after the intervention (P < 0.0001). One month later also the total mean score of worries and subtitles decreased significantly(P < 0.0001), in intervention group (38.27 ± 3.58) in comparision with control group(76.13 ± 7.52). Conclusion Results showed that, the method of reducing stress based on mindfulness has caused a significant reduction in worries in the intervention group. Therefore, this method can be used to improve the mental health of this group of patients in health centers.