Analysing the Factors Influencing Exercise Behaviour Among Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

This research proposal is aimed to identify the factors that influence exercise behaviour in women with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).  PCOS is one of the most common and multi factorial disorders that has symptoms and co morbidities which can have their effect throughout the lifespan of a women**.** According to Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines lifestyle modification which include diet, eating habits and exercise is regarded as first line of treatment in PCOS.There are several evidences which shows the positive effect of exercise on women reproductive and mental health. However, evidences from all over the world shows that there is a need to create awareness among people about PCOS and how exercise can help them resolve problems related to it. Inspite of the established benefits of exercise and lifestyle modification in PCOS, a small extent of the population implement it to themselves. Therefore, identifying factors that are preventing women suffering from PCOS from engaging in exercises is very crucial.

In this cross sectional study subjects will be recruited from Gynaecology department, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India and convenience sampling will be done. The inclusion criteria include adult female (18-45 years) with prior diagnosis of PCOS.  Any female who is pregnant, have any major chronic disease, have any diagnosed psychiatric illness other than anxiety and depression or is unable to comprehend the given questionnaire in English language will be excluded from the study. The study will be done in two phases. Phase 1 will include development and validation of questionnaire and phase 2 will include implementation of final questionnaire on the target population for data collection. Health Belief Model will be used for conceptual framework. Structural Equation Modelling approach will be used for data analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis will be done on the data collected and conclusion will be drawn from the result obtained.