Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Associations with Dietary and other lifestyle factors Among University Female Students in Dubai: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a relatively prevalent condition that affects a significant number of menstruating women worldwide. It can range from mild to severe and may interfere with daily activities. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of PMS and its associated factors among female university students in Dubai. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 217 female university students using a self-reported questionnaire. Participants were recruited through simple random sampling, and ethical approval was obtained from the University Ethical Committee. Results: All participants reported that they experienced at least one PMS symptom with different levels of severity. The prevalence rate of psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms was 83.0%, 79.4%, and 76.6%, respectively. The most frequently reported premenstrual psychological symptoms were loss of control (69.6.%). Most reported physical premenstrual symptoms included lethargy/fatigue/decreased energy (56.7%); PMS symptoms interfered with participants’ daily routine (45.2%). Normal Body Mass Index (BMI), no smoking, milk consumption, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, animal foods, fish oil supplements, and no fast food consumption were all significant factors associated with decreasing PMS. Conclusions: PMS is a common menstrual disorder among university students that interferes with their daily routine. Lifestyle and dietary habits were highly related to PMS. Therefore, health promotion programs are highly recommended to encourage healthy diets and lifestyles for females as early as adolescence at the school level.