Supplementary Material for: Participant experience in a study of dietary counselling plus omega-3 supplementation for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder among women: A focus group study

Background: Nutrition is an important determinant of health among people with mental disorders; however, barriers to dietary counselling exist. The Eating and Supplementation for Generalized Anxiety Disorder study (“EASe-GAD”) was the first trial to assess the impact of these interventions on anxiety symptoms. The primary objective of the present companion qualitative study was to gather and analyze qualitative data about the acceptability, participant experience, impact, barriers and facilitators, strengths, and weaknesses of the EASe-GAD program while also identifying opportunities for improvement. Methods: Participants were eligible for this study if they participated in the EASe-GAD trial. Data were collected using focus groups which followed a semi-structured interview approach with a set of pre-determined questions. The sessions were recorded and transcribed for data analysis. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results: Three focus groups were completed, involving a total of 12 women. They reported a range of components that they found helpful, such as increased self-efficacy, as well as positive outcomes that they attributed to the intervention, such as improved mental and physical health. They reported components of the program that were less enjoyable, such as having their body weight measured, and also suggested opportunities for improvement. Many participants reported that cost implications of a diet intervention were an important consideration. Conclusion: This project provided valuable insight into the participant experience and impact of the pilot dietary counselling program. Participants reported benefits and opportunities for improvement for subsequent studies aimed at improving nutrition among people with anxiety disorders.