EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF CAFFEINE AND SUGAR CONSUMPTION, NUTRITIONAL AWARENESS AND PERCEIVED STRESS ON PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AMONG ADULT WOMEN

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects a substantial proportion of adult women, influencing both physical and psychological well-being

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore the relationships between caffeine and sugar consumption, nutritional awareness, perceived stress, and the severity of PMS symptoms among adult women.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, with data collected through validated self-administered questionnaires assessing dietary habits, nutritional knowledge, perceived stress levels, and PMS symptomatology. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to examine associations among the variables.

RESULTS: Results indicated a significant positive correlation between high caffeine and sugar intake and increased PMS symptom severity. Nutritional awareness demonstrated a negative association with PMS, suggesting that women with better understanding of dietary practices experienced milder symptoms. Additionally, higher perceived stress levels were significantly associated with more severe PMS manifestations. These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of PMS and highlight the potential role of dietary habits, stress management, and nutritional education in mitigating symptom severity. Interventions aimed at reducing excessive caffeine and sugar consumption, improving nutritional literacy, and managing stress may contribute to better premenstrual health outcomes

CONCLUSION: The study concludes that dietary habits, nutritional knowledge, and stressmanagement are key factors influencing PMS severity, and targeted interventions addressing these areas may help reduce PMS symptoms and improve overall premenstrual health

KEY TERMS: Premenstrual syndrome, PMS severity, caffeine consumption, sugar intake, nutritional awareness, perceived stress, adult women, dietary habit.