J Korean Community Nurs.  2004 Sep;15(3):483-495.

An Exploratory Study on the Perimenstrual Discomforts and Dietary Intake Level of Normal Women

• Kim HW

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the perimenstrual discomforts and dietary intake levels among normal women. METHOD: A prospective and descriptive study examined 38 women aged 23-46years of age. The data collection period lasted from April 1 to June 30, 2003. The participants were asked to keep a diary recording perimenstrual symptoms and food intake for 50 days.
RESULTS
There was a significant difference in physical symptoms of perimenstrual discomforts (F=6.95, p=.001), but there was no significant difference in dietary intake level according to three different phases of a menstrual cycle. The significant dietary intake variables correlated to PMS included energy, protein, Vitamin E, Vitamin B2, niacin, Vitamin B6, folic acid, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. They were negatively related to perimenstrual discomforts.
CONCLUSION
Balanced diet intake will be necessary for not only the perimenstrual discomforts but also the general health promotion of the entire population. The dietary and nutritional assessment should be done prior to nursing interventions, and nutritional counseling and education should be given based on individual differences. In a further study, the effects of dietary composition on specific symptoms will be replicated with a large sample, and development of a diet intervention program for perimenstrual discomforts is recommended.

MeSH Terms

Counseling
Data Collection
Diet
Eating
Education
Female
Folic Acid
Health Promotion
Humans
Individuality
Iron
Menstrual Cycle
Niacin
Nursing
Nutrition Assessment
Phosphorus
Prospective Studies
Riboflavin
Vitamin B 6
Vitamin E
Vitamins
Zinc
Folic Acid
Iron
Niacin
Phosphorus
Riboflavin
Vitamin B 6
Vitamin E
Vitamins
Zinc