Interrelation between diet, nutritional antioxidants and negative mood during menstrual period among university students: a cross- sectional study

Abstract

Background: A woman's diet can have a significant effect on her menstrual cycle and overall mood. Many women experience negative moods, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability during their menstrual period. These mood changes are often attributed to hormonal fluctuations that occur during this time. Extensive research has suggested that diet and nutritional antioxidants may also play a role in these mood changes.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of negative mood and its relationship with diet during menstruation among female university students.

Methodology: A cross-sectional non- Probability convenient sampling survey trough self-administered questionnaire was carried out that encompasses demographics, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ). Multiple logistic regression analysis and descriptive statistics were performed.

Results: The total sample number of study population was 250 among which only 245 further proceeded for analysis. The mean and standard deviation of variable age of participants were 20.36 + 1.47 years, the average cycle length was 27.81 + 1.00. The average weight of participants was 59.8 + 11.9. The average height was 164.3 + 7.2 cm. The mean BMI of partakers was 24.1 + 4.8 kg/m2. The consumption of carbonated beverages, tea and coffee was positively associated with negative mood during the menstrual phase, (p = 0.0443), in addition to that the consumption of fresh fruits during the premenstrual phase (p = 0.0429) was negatively associated with negative mood.

Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that negative mood was significantly associated with soft drinks, caffeinated drinks and fast food among university females.