Feasibility of a multiple health behavior change program for premenstrual symptoms in university students: A study protocol

Abstract

IntroductionPremenstrual symptoms affect a significant number of women throughout their reproductive years. There is evidence that adapting and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors can improve these symptoms; however, the effectiveness of multiple behavior change interventions remain largely untested. This study aims to test feasibility of a 12-week multiple health behavior change (MHBC) intervention for university students suffering from premenstrual symptoms. MethodA sequential mixed-methods approach will explore the feasibility of a MHBC intervention to reduce premenstrual symptoms in female university students aged 18–35 years. In phase 1, a parallel three-group randomized pilot trial will be conducted among Australian students. Group 1 will receive the full intervention, while Groups 2 and 3 will receive either the period tracking application, or health behavior change intervention, respectively. The second phase of the study will include semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to gain an in-depth understanding of participants’ perceptions of the acceptability, appropriateness, usefulness, and sustainability of the intervention and its components (Group 1 participants only). DiscussionThe results will inform whether a subsequent fully powered trial is feasible and provide a deeper understanding of the impact of premenstrual symptoms on university student's health and wellbeing. Moreover, the semi-structured interviews will provide insight into the acceptability, appropriateness, usefulness, and sustainability of the intervention in this population group. ConclusionsThis study based on Bandura's social cognitive theory will examine the feasibility of a 12-week MHBC intervention for young women suffering from premenstrual symptoms.