Multidisciplinary Pathways for PCOS Management: Evidence from Stress-Eating and Psychological Mediation Analysis

Ms. Shivani Gaur , Dr.Shalu Nehra , Dr. Neetu Yadav , Dr. Jyoti Gaur

Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Stress-Eating, Depression, Anxiety, Psychological Distress, Lifestyle Intervention

Abstract Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by reproductive, metabolic, and psychological disturbances. While metabolic and hormonal mechanisms are well studied, behavioral and psychological factors such as stress-eating remain underexplored, particularly in the Indian context. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of stress-eating behaviors in women with PCOS, examine their association with symptom severity, and evaluate the mediating role of psychological distress. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 women aged 18–35 years, diagnosed with or suspected of having PCOS. Data were collected using the Salzburg Stress Eating Scale (SSES), a PCOS Symptom Checklist, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations, and mediation analysis (PROCESS macro, 5,000 bootstraps) were employed. Results showed that 78% of participants reported moderate-to-high levels of stress-eating, with strongest associations observed for weight gain (r = 0.52) and mood disturbances (r = 0.47). Psychological morbidity was substantial, with over half reporting moderate-to-severe depression, anxiety, and stress. Mediation analysis revealed that depression and stress significantly mediated the relationship between stress-eating and symptom severity, while anxiety played a weaker role. The findings highlight stress-eating and psychological distress as critical contributors to PCOS symptom burden, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary interventions integrating dietary counseling, lifestyle modification, and psychological support.

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"Multidisciplinary Pathways for PCOS Management: Evidence from Stress-Eating and Psychological Mediation Analysis", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.10, Issue 9, page no.a305-a314, September-2025, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2509039.pdf

Volume 10 Issue 9, September-2025

Pages : a305-a314

Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_304820

Published Paper Id: IJSDR2509039

Downloads: 000105

Research Area: Medical Science All

Country: Meerut, U.P., India

Published Paper PDF: https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2509039

Published Paper URL: https://ijsdr.org/viewpaperforall?paper=IJSDR2509039

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56975/ijsdr.v10i9.304820

ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016

An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator

Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave

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