The below blog post has been written by the research team, and details of how to participate in the research can be found at the bottom of this post. Verity have sighted the ethics approval granted for the recruitment of this study. Please note that the condition previously known as PCOS is now referred to as PMOS; some researchers and clinicians may still use the term PCOS during this transition period.
Introduction
This research will look at the experiences that those with PCOS have had with utilising online sources of dietary advice for PCOS management. By looking at this, we are hopeful that this research will help inform healthcare professionals on what kind of information those with PCOS seek out and require, and will demonstrate to healthcare professionals if there is a need to assist PCOS patients with navigating the wide range of information that is available online.
About the Study
This study is being led by a researcher at Leeds Beckett University, and has received ethical approval from the university. The main focus of this particular study will be to find out how people with PCOS utilise and engage with online dietary information, and any ways in which they navigate the most credible information to use. The study will also ask participants if they have any thoughts on how healthcare professionals can better support them, allowing the voices of those with PCOS to be properly heard.
What’s Involved?
Participation in this study will involve completing an online survey which will take around 15-20 minutes.
Who Can Take Part?
To take part in this study, you must be:
- Over the age of 18
- Living in the UK
- Have an official PCOS diagnosis from a healthcare professional
- Fluent in English
- NOT pregnant or breastfeeding
Why Take Part?
PCOS is still widely under-researched, and patients are often not given much time by healthcare professionals. This study will allow patients voices to be heard, and for a better understanding of what sort of advice they actively seek out. It may help inform healthcare professionals on what sort of things they should focus on when interacting with this patient group, or if there is a need for them to assist those with PCOS access the most credible advice online.
How to Get Involved
If this sounds like something you would like to take part in, please click the following link – it will take you to the participant information sheet with more details about the study, and information on how to access the survey:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16UzWWwBpAUFf-NDJw-Cq9gWiYI8EwUL40P-K8K_jsDE/edit?usp=sharing
This document also includes areas where you as a participant can access support if you feel troubles by any of the contact within the questionnaire.
About the Researcher
My name is Rebecca, and I am the researcher for this study! I am a masters student at Leeds Beckett University, studying to be a dietitian. I have always had a passion for research in PCOS and women’s health in general, due to how under studied it is. The idea for this particular project arose from me seeing lots of dietary advice online, sometimes given by unqualified people, and not always correct – which inspired me to try and find out how some of experiences of the people on the receiving end of this information.
Closing & Contact
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this and showing your interest in this study! I ask that you please also share this information with anyone else who may be eligible and interested in taking part. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions about this study, using the following contact details:
Main researcher: R.Hardy2533@student.leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Supervisor: C.Gardiner@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Verity - The PCOS charity 