Exploring the impact of health belief model-based nutrition education on promoting preventive nutritional behaviors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Jordan: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Endocrinologists consider polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) the most complex disorder among women of reproductive age. Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of a nutrition education intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in promoting preventive nutritional behaviors among women with PCOS. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted between February 2024 and August 2024. Participants were recruited from eight obstetrics and gynecology private clinics in Amman, Jordan. Participants were randomized into two groups: an intervention group (<i>n</i> = 58) and control group (<i>n </i>= 58). In addition to routine healthcare education, participants within the intervention group received a nutrition education program based on HBM. Results: For all study variables, there was a significant improvement in the mean scores of HBM constructs, anthropometric measurements, and clinical features in the intervention group (<i>P</i> < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in the mean scores of HBM constructs, anthropometric measurements, and clinical features between the intervention group and the control group after three months of intervention (<i>P </i>< 0.001). Conclusion: Providing nutrition education programs based on HBM improves preventive nutritional behaviors among women of reproductive age who suffer from PCOS. Such a model can be used as a framework for formulating advanced educational interventions for PCOS prevention.