OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dietary intake and lifestyle risk factors of 203 female college students in Seoul. METHODS: PMS was diagnosed using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), and dietary intake was accessed by a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of students were diagnosed with PMS; there were no significant differences with respect to age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of the students with and without PMS symptoms. Students with PMS recognized their PMS symptoms, experienced significantly more severe PMS symptoms, and received more treatment and had more stress compared with students without PMS. Interestingly, students with PMS had greater alcohol intake and consumed more animal calcium than students with PMS. However, the intake of other nutrients was not significantly different between students with and without PMS. CONCLUSION: Out data suggest that students with PMS should increase intake of animal calcium and find ways to reduce stress.
Animals ; Body Mass Index ; Calcium ; Female ; Humans ; Life Style ; Premenstrual Syndrome ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires