Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) management using a nutrition recommender mobile application: identifying key requirements.

Abstract

Objective: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects 5-18% of women worldwide. Adopting a healthier lifestyle, especially by making nutritious dietary choices, can significantly improve the management of symptoms and reduce complications associated with this condition. Despite the growing number of mobile health (mHealth) applications, most existing tools for PCOS lack scientific validation and dietary recommendations. This study aims to identify key requirements for developing a nutritional recommender mobile application for PCOS management.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three stages: (1) Systematic review of articles and review of available mobile applications, (2) Data collection tool design, and (3) Validation of mobile application requirements based on the opinion of experts to provide nutritional recommendations for individuals with PCOS. (4) Design and evaluation of mobile application. Based on the results from the first stage, we created the questionnaire and assessed its validity based on the opinions of five experts in nutrition and dietetics, and health information management. Content modifications were made based on their opinions. The reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha Coefficient of 74%. The questionnaire was distributed to seven PhD candidates and eight faculty members (from the Nutrition and Dietetics Department and the Health Information Management and Medical Informatics Department), and the results were analyzed and validated via SPSS 27 via CVR calculations.

Results: In the first and second stages of the study, a total of 75 items were identified across four categories: educational needs (14 items), demographic information (nine items), data elements (32 items), and mobile application features (20 items). In the third stage, 56 items were considered high priority for inclusion in the mobile application based on their content validity ratio (49%< CVR).

Conclusions: Considering the importance of self-care in patients with PCOS, the integration of a nutrition recommender mobile application can significantly enhance the lifestyle of individuals with PCOS, so it is essential to identify the requirements before conceptual design and application development for app usability and increasing user satisfaction.