Understanding premenstrual syndrome among college students and its association with dietary habits
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Yeon Bai
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 11:29 AM
Description
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex symptom affecting females' quality of life. Many studies have suggested that diet influences experiencing PMS. College students are more likely to be influenced by PMS, but little is known about this population. This study aimed to (1) compare the dietary habits by PMS presence among female college students, (2) examine the relationship between PMS severity and diet quality, and (3) explore common symptoms of PMS and how these affect students' quality of life. Using a cross-sectional survey design with convenience sampling methods, data were collected from February to March 2025 at a university in northern New Jersey. An online survey was employed with both closed- and open-ended questions. The survey included demographics, the short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI) questions, and premenstrual symptoms. The Independent samples t-test, correlation analysis, and content analysis were performed. A total of 178 female students were included in the analysis. The presence of PMS was 37.6%. The mean sHEI score was higher in the non-PMS group than in the PMS group: 48.25 vs. 46.16 (p=0.18). There was a weak but positive correlation between sHEI scores and the severity of PMS (r=0.09, P=0.45). Common PMS symptoms frequently mentioned were bloating (n=40), cramps (n=32), and fatigue (n=31). The impact of PMS on life quality included decreased study effectiveness, challenges to performing daily activities, and social disengagement. Further research is needed to validate the direction of the relationship between dietary habits and PMS.
Understanding premenstrual syndrome among college students and its association with dietary habits
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex symptom affecting females' quality of life. Many studies have suggested that diet influences experiencing PMS. College students are more likely to be influenced by PMS, but little is known about this population. This study aimed to (1) compare the dietary habits by PMS presence among female college students, (2) examine the relationship between PMS severity and diet quality, and (3) explore common symptoms of PMS and how these affect students' quality of life. Using a cross-sectional survey design with convenience sampling methods, data were collected from February to March 2025 at a university in northern New Jersey. An online survey was employed with both closed- and open-ended questions. The survey included demographics, the short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI) questions, and premenstrual symptoms. The Independent samples t-test, correlation analysis, and content analysis were performed. A total of 178 female students were included in the analysis. The presence of PMS was 37.6%. The mean sHEI score was higher in the non-PMS group than in the PMS group: 48.25 vs. 46.16 (p=0.18). There was a weak but positive correlation between sHEI scores and the severity of PMS (r=0.09, P=0.45). Common PMS symptoms frequently mentioned were bloating (n=40), cramps (n=32), and fatigue (n=31). The impact of PMS on life quality included decreased study effectiveness, challenges to performing daily activities, and social disengagement. Further research is needed to validate the direction of the relationship between dietary habits and PMS.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.