Abstract

THE PREVALENCE OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS AGED 18 TO 30 IN JAMNAGAR WITH LIFESTYLE FACTORS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

*Reshma M., Swati N. Khandale, A. S. Baghel and Shilpa B. Donga

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common condition affecting women, characterised by physical, psychological, and behavioural symptoms. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PMS among college students in Jamnagar and explore how lifestyle factors influence its severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 236 college women aged 18-30 years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that assessed PMS symptoms across psychological, somatic, and behavioural domains. Information on lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, sleep patterns, and body weight, was also recorded. Statistical analyses determined the association between lifestyle factors and PMS severity. Results: Of the participants, 73.31% reported PMS, with 56.65% experiencing mild symptoms, 31.21% moderate, and 10.99% severe symptoms. Common symptoms included fatigue (47.39%), breast tenderness (47.39%), and mood swings (64.16%). Lifestyle factors significantly influence PMS severity. A vegetarian diet was associated with lower PMS severity (OR = 0.495, p = 0.02), while high fast-food consumption increased severity (OR = 2.67, p < 0.05). Regular physical activity reduced PMS severity (OR = 0.29, p = 0.033), while disturbed sleep and overweight increased severity (OR = 2.51, p = 0.04; OR = 2.14, p < 0.05, respectively). Discussion: The study highlights the high prevalence of PMS among college women, with lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and sleep playing a significant role in symptom severity. Vegetarian diets, physical activity, and good sleep hygiene were associated with reduced severity, while poor dietary habits and disturbed sleep patterns exacerbated symptoms. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of lifestyle interventions, including diet modification, physical activity, and sleep hygiene, to manage PMS symptoms. Future health programs should focus on these factors to improve the quality of life for women with PMS. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and underlying mechanisms.

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