| Abstract [eng] |
Substantiation: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects from 2 to 28% of women. The main symptoms of this chronic disease are androgen excess, menstrual disorders, infertility, hirsutizm, overweight and insulin resistance (Zabulienė, Tutkuvienė, 2010), which cause women with PSOC to face female identity problems (Deeks et al., 2010). Also, women with PSOC are more prone to anxiety and depression (Damone et al., 2019), especially due to dissatisfaction with their bodies and possible infertility (Himelein et al., 2006). The relationship of these women with people around them is usually limited to the circle of loved ones and the support of social networks (Holbrey et al., 2013). Chronic illness can affect the whole course of life – it can stimulate the adjustment of daily life and future plans, it can affect a person's self-perception and interaction with the social environment (Baltrušaitytė, Leonavičius 2014). Keywords: PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome, self-awareness, social interaction, chronic disease. Object of the thesis: women’s with PCOS narratives. The aim of research work: To investigate the effects of PCOS on women’s self-awareness and social interaction through a chronic disease narrative. Tasks of research: 1. To review the prevalence and problems of PCOS syndrome. 2. To analyze the concept of chronic disease according to the paradigm of symbolic interactionism. 3. To review the dimensions of self-awareness and social interaction in the experience of chronic illness. 4. To reveal the impact of PCOS on women's self-awareness and social interaction. Methods of the research: Analysis of theoretical literature: the influence of chronic disease on self-perception and social interaction in the context of narrative theory was analyzed and the main problems of PCOS were discussed. Semi-structured in-depth interviews: The study used semi-structured in-depth interviews that sought to delve women’s PCOS stories through their individual experiences. Grounded Theory: A constructivist grounded theory according to K. Charmaz was used to perform the data analysis. Conclusions: 1. The narratives reveal the course of experiences of women with PCOS: a) primary and secondary shock; b) searching for the cause of a chronic illness; c) disease management stage; d) reconciliation; e) assessment of the disease and its meaning. 2. PCOS symptoms affecting women's appearance and infertility affect the reconstruction of the identity of women with PCOS. 3. Healthcare professionals influence the further course of women PCOS. Partner is closest person to share concerns. There is a lack of information about the disease. 4. A diagnosis of a chronic disease changes the relationship with the people around. 5. Women with similar experiences who managed to control PCOS symptoms are like an authority to others, giving a sense of unity, hope and inspiration. The community of PCOS patients gathering on social networks is the main source of information about the disease. |
