Development and Validation of Anxiety Questionnaire in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student in Assesment and Measurement, School of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Assessment and Measurement, School of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2025.78112.6005

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder among women. This syndrome can be associated with an increased prevalence of mental health disorders. The present study was conducted with aim to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess anxiety in women with PCOS.
Methods: This research was conducted using an exploratory mixed-methods approach. It was initially determined that the anxiety related to this disease could stem from generalized anxiety, anxiety due to other physical health conditions, and symptoms specific to PCOS. Semi-structured interviews with patients and physicians led to the extraction of 14 categories. Based on these categories and expert opinions, 68 items were designed. In the quantitative phase, after initial implementation, the final questionnaire consisting of 50 items and 12 categories was administered to 300 participants. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Convergent validity was examined using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and divergent validity was evaluated using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire.
Results: Five factors were extracted through factor analysis: 1) Psychological stress, 2) Appearance, 3) Menstruation, 4) Sleep quality, and 5) Fatigue and concentration, which included 24 items and accounted for 67.72% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit was appropriate. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.932 as measured by Cronbach's alpha, and the correlation between this questionnaire and the total score of the Beck Anxiety Inventory was 0.662, while the correlation with the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was -0.528.
Conclusion: This questionnaire, designed to assess anxiety in women with PCOS, consisting of 24 items and 5 factors, explains nearly 70% of the total variance. Based on both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the questionnaire demonstrates adequate construct validity. The results indicate that the tool has suitable validity and can be used for both clinical and research purposes to measure anxiety in women with PCOS.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 4
June 2025
Pages 37-52

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