In India, women in their natural role as mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters have been accepted as the principal providers of good health to their families and indirectly to the community. Yet, when it comes to their own health, it receives low priority. Health and fitness of women is compromised by gynecological morbidities that they consider as ‘normal' and part of their destiny. For example, in dysmenorrhea, girls remain grounded for 3 to 4 days. Uterine prolapse and urinary leakage compromise quality of women's life. Many of these problems of women can be resolved by nonmedicinal interventions. Therefore, every woman should have the opportunity to learn about the self-care of problems they experience. However, the doctors in the outpatient departments, particularly Obstetrics and Gynecology (OPG–OPD) are usually overworked to explain this to patients.

To document the feasibility and impact of instituting a health promotion orientation package in OPG–OPD in an apex hospital of North India.

A health promotion orientation package of services was instituted in OPG–OPDs in an apex hospital of north India through a multipurpose behavior therapy (MPBT) room in December 2012. After referral from main OPD, patients of pregnancy, infertility, prolapse, urinary incontinence (UI), menopause, and dysmenorrhea were advised nonmedicinal interventions, such as dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and simple exercises/yoga. Unlike main OPG–OPD, here patients were attended along with their husbands and other family members. Here patients shared their queries without hesitation. Patients were also given booklets (available in Hindi, English, Punjabi) and other IEC material on related problems free of charge.

Favorable results of nonmedicinal interventions were reported. Around 5000 patients were successfully managed through this approach in three years.

Out of 100 menopausal patients referred to the MPBT room, 64 were successfully followed up. Among 759 UI and prolapse of pelvic organs patients visiting the room, 66% reported total relief in symptoms and 26% patients reported partial relief after following behavior therapy instructions.

Around 3000 antenatal care patients counselled reported relief in symptoms and satisfaction with the quality of counselling. They were also happy that they are being listened to patiently.

Patients of polycystic ovarian disease, infertility, and dysmenorrhoea were also advised simple exercises, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.

Establishing a counseling room/MPBT room in hospital, OPDs has a potential to help women cope better with the issues related to their health. Replication of this model in other medical colleges will also help in reducing the load on doctor while simultaneously enhancing patient satisfaction.

Sharma R, Dhaliwal LK, Suri V, Kaushal P, Singhal N, Rana AK, Singh AJ. Implementing a Life Cycle Approach through Establishment of a Multipurpose Behavior Therapy Room in PGIMER, Chandigarh for Enhancing the Fitness Level of Women. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2017;51(3):115-122.