Lifestyle Behaviours and Self-Awareness Practices among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in the Sub-Himalayan Region
Pooja Yadav *
Department of Home Science, H.N.B. Garhwal (A Central University), Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India.
Rekha Naithani
Department of Home Science, H.N.B. Garhwal (A Central University), Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is associated with reproductive, metabolic and psychological concerns. Lifestyle behaviour and self-awareness practices are important in the day-to-day management of PCOS, yet regional evidence from the Sub-Himalayan context remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to analyse lifestyle care and self-awareness practices among women with PCOS and to examine the association between nutritional awareness and daily meal-consumption patterns.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 300 women aged 18-40 years from the Sub-Himalayan region of Pauri, Uttarakhand, India. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire covering physical activity, nutrition, beverage consumption, sleep, stress, glucose awareness and related self-care practices. Descriptive statistics, including the mean, median and standard deviation, were used to summarise lifestyle and awareness variables. The Pearson chi-square test was used to assess the association between nutritional awareness and meal-consumption patterns, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The findings showed variation in lifestyle care and self-awareness practices. Participants reported comparatively high engagement in several physical activities, including yoga asanas, jogging, aerobic exercise and walking, but lower conceptual knowledge of physical activity. Nutrition and healthy lifestyle awareness were moderate, whereas glucose monitoring, meal-interval knowledge and sleep-pattern awareness showed areas for improvement. The chi-square analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between nutritional awareness and daily meal-consumption patterns (χ² = 9.161, df = 2, p = 0.010).
Conclusion: The study indicates that lifestyle practices and health-related awareness among women with PCOS in the Sub-Himalayan region are uneven. Strengthening region-specific health education may support improved nutritional practices, self-monitoring and sustainable lifestyle care.
Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, lifestyle behaviour, self-awareness, nutritional awareness, physical activity, sleep patterns, stress, glucose monitoring