Survey study, 2023
What factors most influence PMS severity in college students?
Sleep problems and eating attitude problems were the strongest factors linked to worse PMS, along with menstrual pain. Together these explained about one quarter of why some women have worse symptoms.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 143 female college students in South Korea online in September 2021. Students answered questions about PMS, stress, depression, sleep, eating attitudes, smoking, water intake, and menstrual pain. Researchers used statistical tests to find which factors were most linked to PMS severity.
What they found
27.3% of students had normal PMS levels and 72.7% had PMDD-level symptoms. Sleep disturbance was most strongly linked to worse PMS, followed by eating attitude problems and menstrual pain intensity. Depression and stress were also linked to PMS. Together, these factors explained 24.7% of the variation in how severe PMS was.
What it means for you
Improving sleep quality and eating habits may help reduce PMS symptoms. The study only explains about one quarter of why some women have worse PMS, so other unknown factors must also matter. The sample was online and from one city, so findings may not apply everywhere.
143
college students surveyed
72.7%
students with PMDD-level symptoms
24.7%
of PMS severity explained by the factors
About the study
- Original title
- Investigating influencing factors on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among female college students
- Authors
- Yi SJ, Kim M, Park I
- Journal
- BMC women's health
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 143
- What was tested
- None; factors were measured, not tested.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02752-y
Original abstract
Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects women's physical and mental health. Depression, stress, sleep disturbance, and eating attitude problems have been known to influence PMS. Furthermore, restrictions of daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to changes in sleep patterns and eating attitudes. Thus, it is necessary to closely examine how these factors affect PMS. This study aimed to examine the levels of PMS, stress, depression, sleep disturbance, and eating attitude problems among female college students who experience dysmenorrhea and determine the factors associated with PMS. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey design was conducted using a convenience sample of 143 female college students in C City, South Korea. Data were collected from September 1 to 19, 2021 in South Korea using an online self-administered survey. Differences in participants' level of PMS according to physical health variables (e.g., smoking, water intake, menstrual pain intensity) and psychological issues (i.e., stress, depression, sleep disturbances, and eating attitude problems) were assessed with independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVAs. Correlational analyses between these variables were also conducted. Additionally, multiple regression was performed to identify the factors influencing PMS. Results: PMS severity was between normal (27.3%) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (72.7%). PMS was associated positively with depression (r = .284, p = 001), stress (r = .274, p = .001), sleep disturbance (r = .440, p < .001), and eating attitude problems (r = .266, p = .001). Additionally, menstrual pain intensity (β = 0.204), sleep disturbances (β = 0.375), and eating attitude problems (β = 0.202) were found to influence PMS. The regression model was significant (F = 16.553, p < .001) with an explanatory power of 24.7%. Conclusions: Considering the influencing factors of PMS identified in this study, interventions for participants experiencing PMS should be made. We propose that further study should be conducted to examine whether the severity of PMS changes according to menstrual pain, the pattern and degree of its change, and the paths through which sleep quality and eating attitude problems affect PMS.
Reproduced under CC-BY.
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2023
What factors make PMS worse in college students?
Survey study, 2023
What factors make premenstrual syndrome worse in nursing students?
Survey study, 2019
What lifestyle and sleep habits are linked to PMS in teenage girls?
Survey study, 2026
Does exercise help college women with period problems and mental health?
Survey study, 2025
Do menstrual problems and poor sleep affect mood and thinking in teenage girls?
Cohort study, 2025
What causes migraine in female college students who have PMS?