Eating Behavior, Phytoestrogen Intake and Chronotype in Premenstrual Syndrome: a Cross Sectional Study of Female College Students
Adendita Azmi Afiattami (1), Izka Sofiyya Wahyurin (1), Katri Andini Surijati (1), Izzati Nur Khoiriani(1), Hiya Alfi Rahmah (1*)

(1) Departement of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jenderal Soedirman University, Indonesia
*Corresponding Author: Hiya Alfi Rahmah (rahmah.hiyaalfi[at]unsoed.ac.id)

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical, behavioral, and emotional problems that occur before menstruation. Although the exact cause of this illness is unknown, various studies have suggested that it may be brought on by dietary, behavioral, or hormonal changes.
Objectives: This study examined how eating behavior, phytoestrogen intake, and chronotype related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in female college students at Indonesia Jenderal Soedirman University.
Methods: This study was conducted with 104 participants, aged 18-22 years. Data were collected using a cross sectional design with a cluster sampling method. Statistical data analysis using the Spearman Correlation test. The DEBQ was used to assess eating behavior, SQ-FFQ to assess phytoestrogen intake, MEQ-SA to assess chronotype, and SPAF to assess PMS.
Results: Of the 104 participants, 99% reported having experienced symptoms of PMS. 90,4% of participants reported consuming phytoestrogens at a lower level than the sufficiency level. Emotional eating dominated the eating behavior characteristics with 69,2% prevalence, while half of the respondents (59,6%) had morningness chronotype. Eating behavior, especially restrained eating and external eating was significantly correlated with PMS severity (p<0,05- r=0,222)- (p<0,05- r=0,304). Phytoestrogen intake was significantly associated with PMS (p=0,007- r=-0,264). However, emotional eating and chronotype did not correlate with PMS.
Conclusions: Eating behaviors: restrained, external eating, and phytoestrogen intake were associated with PMS while emotional eating and chronotype showed no correlation with PMS severity.

Keywords: chronotype, eating behavior, phytoestrogen intake, premenstrual syndrome

Topic: Nutrition and functional food