Effectiveness of a Structured Healthy Habit Development Programme on Physical and Emotional Well-being among Adolescents and Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which lifestyle-related practices may have an important role in day-to-day physical and emotional well-being. Establishing regular healthy behaviours is not simply a matter of knowledge; repeated performance within supportive contexts can contribute to the development of more stable habits. Previous research has identified personal, interpersonal and environmental factors as relevant to healthy habit formation, while self-efficacy and repeated practice have also been associated with the development of healthier routines. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured healthy habit development programme on physical and emotional well-being among adolescents and women with PCOS studying in selected residential colleges in Nellore. Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was adopted. A sample of 100 adolescents and women diagnosed with PCOS was selected from selected residential colleges in Nellore. Participants were assessed using a structured demographic and clinical data sheet, a healthy habit assessment scale, and measures of physical and emotional well-being. The intervention consisted of structured guidance and practice related to healthy dietary habits, regular physical activity, sleep and rest, hydration, stress management, relaxation, self-care and maintenance of regular daily routines. Pre-test assessment was followed by implementation of the healthy habit development programme and subsequent post-test assessment. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired t test, chi-square test, Pearson correlation and effect-size estimation. Results: In the simulated analysis of 100 participants, the mean healthy habit score increased from 36.42 ± 6.71 at pre-test to 50.18 ± 6.24 at post-test, showing a mean improvement of 13.76 points (t = 21.34, p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.68). The mean physical well-being score increased from 47.86 ± 8.23 to 61.27 ± 7.45, with a mean difference of 13.41 (t = 18.16, p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.45). Similarly, the mean emotional well-being score increased from 43.71 ± 7.84 to 56.39 ± 7.12, demonstrating a mean improvement of 12.68 (t = 16.72, p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.36). Pearson correlation demonstrated a positive relationship between healthy habit scores and physical well-being (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and between healthy habit scores and emotional well-being (r = 0.43, p < 0.001). Chi-square analysis showed statistically significant associations between selected baseline healthy-habit categories and selected demographic/clinical characteristics (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The simulated findings suggest that a structured healthy habit development programme could be a useful behavioural approach for supporting physical and emotional well-being among adolescents and women with PCOS. The findings also support the concept that repeated and structured healthy behaviours may contribute to stronger health habits. Habit-focused interventions have been proposed as a means of supporting consistent and sustained health behaviour.