Predictors of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Health-Promoting Lifestyles

Abstract

Background & Objective: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent issue affecting females of all ages, significantly impacting their quality of life and social well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health-promoting lifestyle components and PMS symptoms among Iranian medical students. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using cluster random sampling. The study sample consisted of a total of 144 medical students studying at a prestigious medical science university in Iran. Data were collected using a demographic and menstrual characteristics checklist, a premenstrual syndrome symptom questionnaire (PSQ), and a health promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP). Data were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean score for PMS symptoms was 34.55 (SD = 8.64), while the mean score for healthy lifestyle was 117 (SD = 21.32). The most common PMS symptoms were food cravings (56.9%) and sleep disturbances (49.3%). According to the results of single and multiple linear regression analyses, stress management (β=-0.216, p=0.034) and self-actualization (β=-0.288, p=0.016) had the most significant effect on PSQ, explaining approximately 16% of the variance in PMS symptoms. Conclusion: Based on these findings, self-actualization and stress management were related to PMS symptoms. Improving health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, especially in the mental dimension, may also help alleviate PMS symptoms in students.