Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: May 19, 2025
Date Accepted: Oct 2, 2025
Patients' Experiences of Telehealth-Based Nutrition Interventions for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in China: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Telehealth-based nutrition interventions offer potential advantages for managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet patient experiences remain underexplored. Understanding these experiences can inform better service delivery.
Objective:
To explore the lived experiences, perceived barriers, and expectations of women with PCOS using telehealth-based nutrition interventions.
Methods:
A qualitative descriptive study using purposive sampling recruited 12 women with PCOS from the Clinical Nutrition Department at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Semistructured interviews conducted via WeChat were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.
Results:
Participants highlighted convenience and improved accessibility but encountered significant barriers, including insufficient personalization, technical difficulties, and inadequate emotional support. Key recommendations included integrating individualized metabolic data, enhanced psychological support, and improved interactivity and usability of telehealth platforms.
Conclusions:
Telehealth-based nutrition interventions for PCOS need substantial refinement to address personalization and emotional dimensions of dietary adherence. Enhancing platform design with patient-centered, data-informed, and psychologically supportive approaches is critical for effective telehealth-based nutrition management.
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