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- Title
Evidence-Based Lifestyle Guidelines and Self-Management Strategies Utilized by Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
- Authors
Cowan, Stephanie; Grassi, Angela; Monahan Couch, Lynn; Jeanes, Yvonne; Lim, Siew; Pirotta, Stephanie; Harris, Jeff; McGirr, Caroline; Moran, Lisa
- Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder, affecting 13% of reproductive-aged women. While lifestyle management is the first-line treatment for improving complications, women experience challenges with implementation. This cross-sectional study aims to identify the types and sources of dietary and physical activity (PA) interventions implemented by women with PCOS and understand how they use self-management strategies to support lifestyle change. An online questionnaire was disseminated via a consumer-based PCOS website (May 2015–2016). Women (n = 1167) were aged 18–45 years and primarily born within the United States (70%). A quarter or less of women (diet 25%, PA 14%) sought lifestyle advice from health professionals (medical clinicians or dietitians) compared to over half (diet 59%, PA 67%) using alternative sources, namely from online platforms. While only 33% and 16% of women reported following formal dietary or PA guidelines, respectively, 57% had implemented a 'special diet' to manage their condition, many of which were inconsistent with evidence-based practice in PCOS. Participants also displayed a low level of engagement with important self-management behaviors, including goal setting and positive self-talk. These findings suggest that online information may promote inaccurate and ineffective lifestyle advice and emphasize the need to increase engagement with qualified health professionals.
- Subjects
UNITED States; POLYCYSTIC ovary syndrome treatment; PROFESSIONAL practice; SELF-management (Psychology); CROSS-sectional method; EVIDENCE-based medicine; HEALTH literacy; PHYSICAL activity; HEALTH behavior; INFORMATION resources; QUESTIONNAIRES; SCALE analysis (Psychology); DESCRIPTIVE statistics; DASH diet; RESEARCH funding; DATA analysis software; PATIENT-professional relations; BEHAVIOR modification; WOMEN'S health; EXERCISE therapy
- Publication
Nutrients, 2023, Vol 15, Issue 3, p589
- ISSN
2072-6643
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/nu15030589