JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Diet and lifestyle programs improve health, but program preferences have not been formally explored.

Objective:

To examine the treatment and outcome preferences women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome have for a diet and lifestyle program.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey of 197 women with PCOS.

Results:

At least half expressed strong interest in programs addressing energy level, anxiety, depression, weight, diabetes prevention, regulating menstrual periods, and hirsutism. Similarly, at least half were willing to modify their sleep, stress, and physical activity, with just less than half reporting willingness to adopt a very low-carbohydrate, paleo, or low-glycemic index diet. At least half were interested in online or mobile programs and e-mail-based mentoring. The younger the women, the more they were interested in help with acne and fertility; the higher women’s body mass index, the more they preferred help with weight loss, energy, and anxiety; and greater stress eating was associated with an interest in help with depression, anxiety, and menstrual period regulation.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine program attitudes and preferences in this population. Future online and mobile diet and lifestyle programs may be able to capitalize on this information to better target this population’s expressed preferences. Clinical Trial: Not applicable.