The Relationship Between Attitudes Towards Premenstrual Syndrome and Nutrition and Sleep Levels of University Students

Abstract

Intoduction: Symptoms induced by premenstrual syndrome (PMS) adversely affect women in the reproductive period and decrease their quality of life. This study aimed to examine the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dietary attitudes, and sleep levels in university students.Methods: This descriptive and correlational study included a total of 401 female university students. Data were collected using a questionnaire form prepared by the researchers, the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).Results: The prevalence of PMS among students was found to be 99.8%. It was also found that 86.8% of the students had poor sleep quality, and participants with poor sleep quality had higher PMS scores. However, good or poor sleep quality did not significantly affect attitudes toward healthy nutrition.Conclusion: PMS is a significant health problem among young women. Identifying coping methods and empowering female students in this regard may help improve their future quality of life. In coping with PMS, it is necessary to identify the social and cultural beliefs of university students and take into account their perception of dietary changes, medication use, and seeking social support or activities that provide positive emotions as coping methods to control PMS. Health professionals, who are role models for various groups, are one of the most important professional groups in promoting public health.