A comprehensive interventional program for promoting eating behaviors in adolescent girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): protocol for a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women. Inappropriate eating behaviors are some of the most important risk factors for obesity in all age groups. Therefore, performing comprehensive culturally sensitive interventions for modification of eating behaviors as a useful affordable strategy seems necessary. So, this study aims to present a comprehensive interventional program for promoting eating behaviors in adolescent girls with PCOS. Methods: This study has a sequential exploratory mixed methods design including three sequential phases. The researcher represents eating behaviors among adolescent girls with PCOS using a qualitative approach. In the onset of the second phase, a comprehensive interventional program for promoting eating behaviors is designed for adolescent girls with PCOS. In this regard, in addition to qualitative studies, some related papers and texts are used. The suggested program of expert panel is approved based on prioritization guidelines. Then, in the third phase and after different stages of finalization of the program, its affectability is evaluated regarding improvement of eating behaviors in adolescent girls with PCOS. Discussion: Results of the present mixed methods study, by presenting an interventional culturally sensitive program for promoting eating behaviors in adolescent girls with PCOS, lead to the improvements of the health of young girls. If this program works, it can become one of the leading education guidelines for eating behaviors in adolescent girls with PCOS.