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
Researchers at City St George’s University of London are inviting women with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, previously called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, to share their experiences of diet and mental health. PMOS can affect many areas of women’s lives, including physical health, emotional wellbeing, and mental health. Diet is often discussed as part of PMOS management but less is known about how women experience the relationship between dietary habits and mental health in everyday life.
By listening to women’s lived experiences, the research hopes to contribute to more person-centred, holistic, compassionate and psychologically informed dietetic care.
About the Study
The study is part of an MRes Clinical Research dissertation at City St George’s, University of London. The study aims to explore how women experience and understand the relationship between their dietary habits and their mental health, including how food, emotions, healthcare advice, social expectations and personal beliefs, while living with PMOS. The study has been approved by City St George’s, University of London (Clerkenwell and Moorgate Campuses) Research Ethics Committee.
What’s Involved?
Participants will be asked to:
- Complete a short online eligibility and consent form.
- Take part in one online interview with the researcher.
- Join the interview remotely via Microsoft Teams.
- Discuss their experiences of living with PMOS, dietary habits, and mental health.
- Allow approximately 45-60 minutes for the interview.
- Give permission for the interview to be video-recorded.
Who Can Take Part?
You can take part of you:
- are a woman aged 18–45 years old
- have a self-reported clinical diagnosis of PMOS for ³ 6 months
- are English-speaking
- Live in the UK
- Receive care for PMOS in the UK
- can join an online interview with camera open
You cannot take part if you:
- have menopause
- are currently pregnant or lactating
- have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder
Why Take Part?
By sharing your experiences, you will contribute to a better understanding of the diet-mental health relationship in PMOS/PCOS. Your contribution may help highlight areas where women need more support and may inform more compassionate, psychologically informed dietetic care.
How to Get Involved
Please sign up to this study via the following link or QR code:
https://cityunilondon.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cNNhVJqK8Pi1O4K
Closing & Contact
Thank you for your interest.
Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be eligible and interested in taking part.
For any questions, please contact Eirini Kanarou at Eirini.kanarou@citystgeorges.ac.uk
Verity - The PCOS charity 