Assessing Symptom Severity and Quality of Life Implications inWomen of Reproductive Age with Uterine Fibroids and RelatedConditions in Lahore

Abstract

Uterine fibroids (UFs) represent the most common benign neoplasms of the uterus and an important cause of morbidity in women of reproductive age. The study is a cross-sectional study carried out in Lahore, Pakistan, between March and June 2025, to determine the symptom burden and impact on healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) among women with UFs through a validated Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire. Among the 423 women surveyed, 81 (19.1%) had symptomatic fibroids. Most of these women experienced moderate (66%) and severe (9%) symptoms, especially excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and fatigue. The highest functional impairment was observed in the areas of energy/mood, concern, self-consciousness, and perceived control over daily life. The mean symptom severity score was 52.7 ± 17.3. The multivariate logistic regression model served as the predictors of fibroid diagnosis age 30-40 years, very early menarche (<10 years), and high parity, which highlighting the contribution of reproductive history to UF risk. Social, emotional, and physical functioning was seriously impaired in most of the affected women with over two-thirds of them showing moderate to very important impacts in several HRQOL domains. The results agree with global statistics and show the dire need for early diagnosis, community education, and culturally specific management options to reduce the physical and psychosocial impacts of uterine fibroids in lowand middle-income environments.