Testing the Feasibility and Benefits of Healthy Eating Plans for Improving Pain and Quality of Life in People with Osteoarthritis

Brief Name: Healthy Eating Plans for Osteoarthritis (Healthy Diet B) Description: Healthy Diet B: Participants in this group will receive a structured healthy eating plan developed specifically for this study. The plan includes guidance on nutritious food choices, meal patterns, and strategies to support improvement in overall health and well-being. Educational materials and specific dietary recommendations will be provided individually to participants during counselling sessions. To maintain blinding, detailed dietary components are not disclosed in the public record but have been fully documented in the study protocol and ethics submission. Delivery: Mode: Online or in-person, individual sessions. Frequency: Four individual sessions (each 30–40 minutes) at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 11, with baseline and final in-person assessments at UNSW Medicine & Health facilities. The four educational sessions will primarily focus on dietary guidance and behaviour change strategies. Participants will receive the same consultation content and educational materials regardless of whether sessions are delivered in person or via telehealth. Duration: 12 weeks. Facilitator: Participants will receive individualised dietary counselling sessions with an Accredited Practising Dietitian and an overseas dietitian. Adherence & Fidelity: Adherence will be assessed via session attendance, self-report, and dietary recall. Fidelity will be maintained through standardised education materials, session checklists, and independent monitoring of delivery consistency. Additional Notes: Both groups will be presented with their assigned eating plan as a “healthy eating plan” to maintain partial blinding and minimise expectation bias. Outcome assessors will remain blinded to group allocation. Both groups will also be told not to change their medications during the intervention (unless instructed to by their treating medical physician). In summary, participants will attend two in-person visits at UNSW Medicine & Health facilities—at the beginning and end of the program—for initial and final assessments. Additionally, participants are expected to attend four 30–40 minute sessions in weeks 1, 4, 8, and 11. These sessions may be attended either online or in person at UNSW Medicine & Health, based on participant preference.