Sinem CEYLAN, Rabia Ceren BUYRUKOĞLU, Ayşe Melek SEVİNÇ
Türkiye Aile Hekimliği Dergisi - 2026;30(2):86-96
Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of mindfulness levels on menstrual symptoms and irritability among university students. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2025 with 274 female university students aged 18-49 years residing in a women's dormitory in Ankara. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ), and the Born-Steiner Irritability Scale (BSIS). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were employed for data analysis. Results: The participants' mean age was 20.82 +/- 2.12 years. The mean total scores were 126.25 +/- 14.47 for FFMQ, 73.24 +/- 18.18 for MSQ, and 26.25 +/- 8.23 for BSIS. A moderate positive correlation was identified between menstrual symptoms and irritability. Conclusion: Different subdimensions of mindfulness exert varying effects on menstrual symptoms and irritability. Notably, the Acting with Awareness skill emerged as the most effective factor in reducing both menstrual symptoms and irritability. These findings suggest that mindfulness-based intervention programs can be integrated into primary care services for female patients in family medicine practice, and family physicians can utilize holistic approaches in menstrual symptom management.
