Abstract:
Background:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects women’s hormonal and metabolic health and often requires lifestyle changes. In Lebanon, little is known about how women with PCOS manage their eating habits or whether they have the nutritional knowledge to support these changes. This study explored whether nutritional literacy is linked to better diet quality and fewer binge eating behaviors in Lebanese women with PCOS, while also understanding their struggles in managing the condition.
Methods:
A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a cross-sectional survey with semi-structured interviews. The quantitative part involved a cross-sectional survey assessing nutritional literacy, diet quality, and binge eating behaviors among Lebanese women aged 18 to 49 with PCOS. The qualitative part included semi-structured interviews exploring the women’s experience and challenges in dietary management.
Results:
Results showed moderate nutritional literacy among participants, with higher scores in women with advanced education levels. Nutritional literacy was positively associated with vegetable intake and overall diet quality but was not significantly linked to binge eating behaviors. Binge eating was associated with BMI. Qualitative findings revealed that emotional struggles, social influences, and lack of tailored nutritional guidance were major barriers to adopting healthier eating habits.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the importance of nutritional literacy in promoting healthier dietary choices among Lebanese women with PCOS. The findings underscore that improving diet quality in this population calls for comprehensive, personalized support that addresses emotional challenges, social pressures, and the need for culturally sensitive nutritional counseling.
