The Relationship Between Premenstrual Syndrome and Dietary Habits and Nutrients Intake: Descriptive and Analytical Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and nutrition in nursing students. Methods: This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study evaluating the relationship between premenstrual syndrome and nutrition in nursing students. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, relationship between nutrient and PMS was examined by 219 nursing students using personal information form, 24-hour food consumption record and Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). The macro and micronutrients consumed by the participants were determined through the analysis of their food consumption records in the Nutrition Information System (BEBIS) program. T test, chi-square test and Pearson correlation analysis test were used in analysis of data. Results: It was determined that 53.4% of the students had PMS and dietary habits are important in the appearance of PMS symptoms. Breakfast and lunch consumption affected the presence of PMS, but there was no difference between the groups with and without PMS in terms of coffee, salt consumption and skipping meals. The total energy taken daily by the female students with PMS were higher, percentage of energy from protein was lower and difference was statistically significant (p