Relationship between Serum Calcium Levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Physical Activity with the Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) among Undergraduate Midwifery Students

Adella Violeta; Dessy Arisanty; Eka Nofita; Afdal Afdal; Firdawati Firdawati; Lusiana El Bustami

doi:10.37287/ijghr.v8i6.2508

Authors

Adella Violeta Universitas Andalas
Dessy Arisanty Universitas Andalas
Eka Nofita Universitas Andalas
Afdal Afdal Universitas Andalas
Firdawati Firdawati Universitas Andalas
Lusiana El Bustami Universitas Andalas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37287/ijghr.v8i6.2508

Keywords:

BMI, midwifery students, physical activity, premenstrual syndrome, serum calcium levels

Abstract

PMS is a collection of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur prior to menstruation in most women of reproductive age. The severity of PMS symptoms is suspected to be related to serum calcium levels, and may also be influenced by confounding factors such as BMI and physical activity. Analyze the relationship between serum calcium levels, BMI, and physical activity with the severity of PMS. Serum calcium levels through blood tests using the direct colorimetric test method (arsenazo III), assessed PMS severity using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) questionnaire, calculated BMI based on body weight and height data, and measured physical activity using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). This study used a cross-sectional design. The study sample consisted of 45 female students, selected using a purposive sampling technique. The relationship between calcium levels and PMS severity was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test, while the relationships between BMI and physical activity with PMS severity were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The median serum calcium level of respondents was 9.70 mg/dL. Most respondents (68.9%) fell into the no-PMS or mild-PMS category, while 31.1% experienced moderate to severe PMS. The results showed that serum calcium levels were significantly associated with PMS severity (p=0.019). BMI (p=0.746) and physical activity (p=0.717) were not significantly associated with PMS severity. The study is that serum calcium levels are associated with PMS severity. BMI and physical activity are not associated with PMS severity. Female students are encouraged to make efforts to prevent PMS severity by meeting their calcium needs.

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