Effect of using 5A’s model for lifestyle counseling on psychological symptoms in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized field trial

Lifestyle modification in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be associated with increased psychological symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lifestyle modification counseling using 5A’s model on the psychological symptoms of women with PCOS. This double-blind, randomized field trial was performed on 70 women with PCOS in two groups of lifestyle modification counseling based on 5A’s model and counseling without using the model. The intervention was performed based on five stages of the 5A’s model (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange) during a week, and psychological symptoms were assessed using Symptom Checklist-90-R before the intervention and one and three months after the intervention. The results showed that one and three months after the intervention, the level of psychological symptoms, except obsessive–compulsive level, were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the level of these symptoms decreased over time in the intervention group (p < 0.0001). Using the 5A’s model in lifestyle modification counseling is associated with the promotion of psychological health in women with PCOS, and this model is recommended for lifestyle counseling in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.