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A new 23-item PCOS body image scale offers a reliable and validated tool to capture key appearance-related concerns in individuals with PCOS. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in the April 2025 issue of European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology to design and validate the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Body Image Scale (PCOSBIS) to assess body image concerns in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).  

They carried out an instrument development and validation study in 3 phases: (Ⅰ) item generation and revision, (Ⅱ) initial item reduction and construct validation, and (Ⅲ) psychometric evaluation of the scale (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ). The data was gathered between April and September 2024. An item pool was created using a literature review, Delphi expert input, and interviews with 21 individuals diagnosed with PCOS (21 patients with PCOS). In the validation phase, 400 individuals with PCOS were surveyed from 3 tertiary general hospitals (400 patients with PCOS). Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used, and the instrument’s criterion validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability were evaluated.  

The results showed that the PCOSBIS included 6 dimensions with a total of 23 items, explaining 70.79% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a well-fitting model. The PCOSBIS demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.92) and strong test–retest reliability. As anticipated, the PCOSBIS was positively associated with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) [CD-RISC, SF-36]. Among 400 participants, the average score on the PCOSBIS was 48.60 ± 10.85, with the lowest mean scores observed in the dimension labelled ‘Physiological Function Satisfaction.’  

Investigators concluded that PCOSBIS had exhibited robust psychometric properties, making it a valuable tool for assessing body image disturbances in patients with PCOS. 

Source: ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(25)00246-5/abstract