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Survey study, 2016

What lifestyle factors affect PMS and life quality in students?

Among Turkish health science students, 84.5% had PMS. Those with irregular periods, family history, poor diet, and high caffeine or alcohol use had worse PMS and lower quality of life. However, this is observational and cannot prove these factors cause PMS.

Early or limited evidence 608 Turkish female health science students

What they did

608 female health science students at a Turkish university filled out questionnaires about PMS symptoms, eating habits, and life quality. Researchers compared PMS severity and quality of life across groups.

What they found

84.5% had PMS with an average score of 118.34. Students with irregular breakfast, 2 or more cups of coffee daily, alcohol, or fast food had higher PMS scores. Those with irregular periods or family history had worse PMS and lower life quality. Life quality decreased as PMS severity increased.

What it means for you

Lifestyle factors and menstrual patterns seem linked to PMS severity, but this is one university in Turkey and the study cannot prove these factors cause PMS. It shows associations only.

84.5%

Students with PMS

608

Female students surveyed

≥2 cups/day

Coffee associated with higher PMS

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual syndrome and life quality in Turkish health science students
Authors
İşik H, Ergöl Ş, Aynioğlu Ö et al.
Journal
Turkish journal of medical sciences
Year
2016
Study design
Survey study
Participants
608
What was tested
None; observational study
Open access
Yes

Topics