Health Belief Model-Based Podcast Education for Premenstrual Symptoms in University Students

Medipol University120 enrolled

Overview

Premenstrual syndrome is a common women's health condition characterized by physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that may negatively affect daily life, academic functioning, and quality of life among young women. This study evaluated the effect of a Health Belief Model-based podcast education program on premenstrual symptom severity and PMS-specific quality of life among young female university students living in Istanbul, Türkiye. This single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study enrolled 120 participants. The intervention consisted of an eight-episode podcast education program delivered over four weeks, with two episodes per week. Premenstrual symptom severity and PMS-specific quality of life were assessed before and after the education program using validated scales.

This study was designed as a single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study to evaluate a Health Belief Model-based podcast education program for premenstrual syndrome management among university students. The study was conducted online with young female university students living in Istanbul, Türkiye. The educational intervention was structured according to the Health Belief Model components, including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The program aimed to help participants recognize PMS and PMDD symptoms, monitor their symptoms, understand the effects of PMS on quality of life and academic functioning, recognize the role of healthy lifestyle behaviors in symptom management, and develop PMS-related self-management skills. The podcast education program lasted four weeks and included eight episodes in total. Two podcast episodes were shared each week. Each episode lasted approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Podcast episodes were shared online, and reminder messages were sent before each episode. A WhatsApp group was used to facilitate access to the podcast episodes, share educational announcements, and monitor the education process. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Scale, and the PMS-Specific Quality of Life Scale. The primary outcome was change in premenstrual symptom severity from baseline to posttest. The secondary outcome was change in PMS-specific quality of life from baseline to posttest.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Interventions

Health Belief Model-Based Podcast Education ProgramBEHAVIORAL

The intervention was a structured podcast-based education program developed according to the Health Belief Model. The program included eight podcast episodes delivered over four weeks. The educational content addressed perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy in relation to PMS management. Podcast episodes were shared online, and participants were followed through a WhatsApp group for reminders and access to educational content.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 17 YearsMax age: 25 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Being a female university student * Living in Istanbul, Türkiye * Reporting premenstrual symptoms * Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study * Having access to the technical resources required to follow the podcast-based education program Exclusion Criteria: * Reporting a psychiatric diagnosis or receiving psychiatric treatment * Having previously attended an education or counseling program related to PMS * Studying in a directly health-related department * Not completing the education program * Not completing the posttest assessment

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Premenstrual Symptom Severity

Premenstrual symptom severity was assessed using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Scale. The scale consists of 30 items and five subscales: psychological status, physical status, cognitive perception and sleep status, work and social life status, and nutritional status. Total scores range from 30 to 120, with higher scores indicating more frequent and severe premenstrual symptoms.

Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention assessment, approximately eight weeks after baseline

Secondary Outcomes

Change in PMS-Specific Quality of Life

PMS-specific quality of life was assessed using the PMS-Specific Quality of Life Scale. The scale consists of 22 items and three subscales: social well-being, emotional well-being, and physical well-being. Total scores range from 22 to 110, with higher scores indicating a greater negative impact of PMS on quality of life.