Document Type

DNP Project

Department

School of Nursing

Date of Degree

Spring 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Primary Advisor

Jennifer Walsh, DNP, CPNP-PC, CNE

Keywords

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Endocrine Disorders; Endocrine System; Patient Education; Adolescent Women

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age females, with symptoms often emerging in adolescence. Lifestyle modifications have been shown in evidence-based research trials to improve PCOS-related symptoms and patient quality of life, yet structured evaluation and education on comprehensive disease management is often lacking in specialty settings.

Objectives: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project was to evaluate the impact of individualized lifestyle-focused nursing education on body image concerns, emotional well-being, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and confidence in disease management among adolescent females diagnosed with or at risk for PCOS in a pediatric dermatology setting.

Methods: A descriptive pre-posttest design was implemented over a 12-week timeline. Participants (n=3), aged 16-19 years completed baseline assessments using the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and targeted HRQoL and disease management confidence items. Participants then completed a 30-minute individualized Zoom session with lead nurse researcher to establish tailored goals to implement over 4 weeks, followed by posttest assessments of project variables.

Results: Mean DCQ scores decreased from 10.0 to 9.3, suggesting improvement in body image concerns. Mean PHQ-4 scores decreased from 4.7 to 4.3, with two participants documenting reduced emotional distress. HRQoL ratings were stable, with one participant reporting improvement. Confidence in disease management improved in one participant and was sustained in another. All participants reported improved physical and mental health and intent to continue established goals. Qualitative feedback identified mindfulness-based strategies as particularly beneficial.

Conclusions: Individualized lifestyle-focused nursing education in a dermatology setting was feasible, well accepted, and demonstrated promising trends toward improved psychosocial variables. Due to small sample size, results are not statistically significant, and larger-scale implementation is warranted to further evaluate effectiveness and sustainability. However, findings and feedback suggest that this approach may positively influence outcomes among the population.

Open Access

1

Download

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.