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

Abstract

Introduction: Premenstrual 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. Method: A 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). Discussion: The 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. Conclusions: This 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.