The Validation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Arabic Version of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life Scale (PCOSQOL)

TL;DR

This study translated and validated a quality of life scale for women with PCOS in Arabic, showing it works well for Arabic-speaking populations.

Contribution

The study provides a validated Arabic version of the PCOSQOL scale for assessing quality of life in Arabic-speaking women with PCOS.

Findings

The Arabic PCOSQOL showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.951) and strong test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.760–0.885).

A four-factor structure explained 62.5% of the total variance, with strong factor loadings (0.49–0.97).

Older women, married participants, and those in certain regions reported better quality of life (p < 0.05).

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, with a prevalence of approximately 16% in Saudi Arabia. PCOS is associated with various health complications. Assessing the quality of life (QoL) of women with PCOS is crucial for effective management. Objectives: This study aims to translate and validate the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Quality of Life scale (PCOSQOL) into Arabic for use among Arabic-speaking women. The study was designed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic PCOSQOL, including its reliability, validity, and responsiveness. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 Saudi women diagnosed with PCOS. Participants were recruited from family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology clinics at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, through an online survey. The PCOSQOL was translated into Arabic following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) forward–backward translation protocol. Psychometric evaluation included internal consistency, test–retest reliability (ICC), and construct validity. Results: The Arabic PCOSQOL demonstrated excellent psychometric performance, with high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.951) and good-to-excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.760–0.885). Construct validity was supported by a four-factor structure explaining 62.5% of the total variance (KMO = 0.92; Bartlett’s p < 0.001). The subscales showed strong factor loadings (0.49–0.97). Older women (>25 years), married participants, and residents of the western and central regions reported significantly better quality of life (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The Arabic version of the PCOSQOL demonstrated excellent reliability, validity, and stability, confirming its suitability for assessing quality of life among Arabic-speaking women with PCOS. This validated tool can support both clinical practice and future research across Arabic populations.

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