A randomised controlled trial on the effects of a structural education module among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome on nutrition and physical activity changes

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic, endocrine and reproductive disorder that has a huge impact on the life of women. To ascertain the effectiveness of health education module among women with PCOS. Methods: This single-centre, randomised controlled trial was conducted on female staff of the University Putra Malaysia who were diagnosed with PCOS. Subjects were randomly assigned into intervention (n =34) and control I group (n =35). In the intervention group, they need to take part in 8 education sessions in total over 6 months, and feedback was collected at the end of the session. Results: Primary outcome was changes in knowledge, attitude and practise of nutrition. Secondary outcomes were eating attitude and behaviour as well as knowledge, attitude and practise towards physical activity. After 6-months of intervention, there was a significant difference observed in nutrition knowledge 1 score (p < 0.001) and nutrition knowledge 2 score (p = 0.01) between intervention and control groups. Similarly, there was a significant difference observed in international physical activity questionnaire score (p = 0.02) between intervention and control groups. However there was no significant changes for attitude and practice of nutrition, eating attitude as well as knowledge, attitude and practise of physical activity. Conclusions: Our study showed that 6-months of education intervention can improve nutrition and physical activity knowledge. Based on this study, the education module may be considered an effective intervention for women with PCOS.