Association of physical activity and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and practices with obesity indices in college-aged females with polycystic ovary syndrome in Shiraz, Iran: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Diet and physical activity modifications are prescribed to women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between physical activity and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and practices with obesity indices in young women with PCOS. A cross-sectional study. Universities located in Shiraz. 308 young college women (age: 21.51±0.82 years, body mass index (BMI): 23.78±4.36 kg/m²) with PCOS who studied in several universities in Shiraz from February to August 2023 participated in the study voluntarily. Participants filled out a modified Wellness Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour Instrument, performed the step test to measure their maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max), and their weight, height and waist circumference were measured to estimate their BMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Pearson product moment correlation and linear regression tests were used for data analysis. No significant correlation was found between physical activity knowledge and both attitudes (r=0.014, p=0.804) and practices (r=0.49, p=0.399). However, a significant correlation was observed between physical activity attitudes and practices (r=0.125, p=0.028). In terms of nutrition, there were significant weak correlations between nutrition knowledge and attitude (r=0.228, p<0.001) as well as moderate correlations between nutrition attitude and practices (r=0.456, p<0.001), while no significant correlation was found between nutrition knowledge and practices (r=0.093, p=0.102). Additionally, significant negative weak correlations were noted between WHtR and VO2max (r=-0.178, p=0.003), and between BMI and VO2max (r=-0.211, p<0.001), while regression analysis indicated that VO2max is a stronger predictor of WHtR than physical activity practices and significantly predicts BMI. Nutrition and physical activity knowledge were not correlated with practices, while attitude was positively correlated with practices. VO2max demonstrated a stronger association with obesity indices compared with physical activity practices, although further research is warranted to confirm these findings.