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.背景：营养是精神障碍人群健康的重要影响因素，但膳食咨询仍存在诸多障碍。本次针对广泛性焦虑障碍的饮食与补充疗法研究（Eating and Supplementation for Generalized Anxiety Disorder，简称EASe-GAD）是首个评估此类干预措施对焦虑症状影响的临床试验。本配套质性研究的核心目标为：收集并分析关于EASe-GAD方案的可接受性、受试者体验、干预效果、实施障碍与促进因素、方案优劣等质性数据，同时明确可优化的方向。 方法：本研究的纳入对象为参与过EASe-GAD临床试验的受试者。数据采集采用焦点小组访谈形式，遵循半结构化访谈框架，使用预先设定的问题清单。访谈全程录音并转录以供数据分析，数据分析采用主题分析法。 结果：本次研究共完成3组焦点小组访谈，累计纳入12名女性受试者。受试者反馈了多项认为具有帮助性的方案内容，例如提升自我效能感，以及归因于该干预的积极结局，如精神与躯体健康状况改善。同时她们也提及了方案中体验欠佳的环节，例如体重测量，并提出了优化建议。多数受试者表示，膳食干预的成本问题是一项重要考量因素。 结论：本项目为该试点膳食咨询方案的受试者体验与干预效果提供了宝贵的见解。受试者既反馈了该方案的获益，也提出了针对焦虑障碍人群营养改善后续研究的优化方向。