The Effect of Lifestyle Program Women With PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. It is associated with hormonal and metabolic changes, including irregular menstruation, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and changes in body weight. These physical and hormonal manifestations may also affect psychological well-being and quality of life. Women with PCOS may experience increased stress and difficulties in maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors, which can further affect their daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Lifestyle modification involving healthy dietary practices, regular physical activity, and stress management is considered an important component of PCOS management. However, interventions for PCOS have often emphasized medical and biological aspects, while psychological well-being and sustainable lifestyle behaviors may receive comparatively less attention. The present study therefore examined a structured lifestyle modification program designed to address both lifestyle and psychological factors among women with PCOS.

The study aimed to examine the effect of a structured Lifestyle Modification Program based on the 5A's model (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange) among women diagnosed with PCOS. The program was culturally adapted to address the lifestyle and psychological needs of the participating women.

Women diagnosed with PCOS who met the eligibility criteria were recruited from the Gynecology Department of Allied Hospital II, Faisalabad. The final sample consisted of 30 women, with 15 participants in the experimental group and 15 participants in the control group. Participants were women aged 18-40 years who had a clinical diagnosis of PCOS and were willing to participate in the study. Women who were pregnant or did not meet the study eligibility requirements were excluded.

The experimental group received a structured Lifestyle Modification Program consisting of four sessions delivered over a two-week period. The intervention addressed healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, and strategies for maintaining lifestyle changes. The 5A's framework provided a structured approach for assessing participants' needs, providing relevant advice, agreeing on achievable lifestyle goals, assisting participants in addressing barriers to change, and arranging strategies for maintaining healthy behaviors.

The intervention included psychoeducation regarding PCOS and healthy lifestyle practices, guidance regarding dietary choices and physical activity, stress-management techniques, and behavioral strategies to support adherence to healthier routines. Participants were encouraged to monitor their lifestyle behaviors and identify barriers that could interfere with maintaining healthy habits. Strategies were discussed to help participants manage common difficulties and maintain behavioral changes after the intervention.

The control group continued to receive routine clinical care during the study period. Following completion of the post-intervention assessment, participants in the control group were offered the lifestyle modification materials.

Participants completed assessments before and after the intervention. The assessment battery included measures of perceived stress, healthy eating habits, health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, and PCOS-related quality of life. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10-U) was used to assess perceived stress, the Brief Healthy Eating Habits Scale-Short Form was used to assess healthy eating habits, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II was used to assess health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, and the PCOS Quality of Life measure was used to assess quality of life related to PCOS.

The study used a randomized clinical trial design to examine changes in outcomes following the Lifestyle Modification Program. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical procedures, including descriptive statistics, tests of baseline group differences, and mixed repeated-measures analyses to examine changes over time and differences between groups.

The study focused on whether participation in the Lifestyle Modification Program was associated with changes in perceived stress, healthy eating habits, health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, and PCOS-related quality of life. The findings may provide useful information for psychologists, healthcare professionals, and other providers working with women with PCOS by highlighting the potential role of structured lifestyle and psychological support alongside routine clinical care.