The Effect of Footbath on Premenstrual Syndrome, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life in University Students with Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> This study was conducted to determine the effect of footbath on premenstrual syndrome (PMS), sleep quality, and quality of life in university students with PMS. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> This randomized controlled trial was conducted during the 2021-2022 academic year with students from the Faculty of Education at a university in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. Data were collected between November 2021 and June 2022. Following screening with the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), 78 students were randomly assigned to the intervention (<i>n</i> = 39) and control (<i>n</i> = 39) groups using a computer-generated sequence (1:1 ratio). Before starting the intervention, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36) were applied to both groups. Students in the intervention group received footbaths with water at 38°C-42°C every night for 7-10 days during the premenstrual phase of each cycle for three menstrual cycles. The control group received no intervention. The PMSS, PSQI, and SF-36 were readministered at the end of each cycle. The primary outcome was the change in PMSS scores; secondary outcomes included PSQI and SF-36 subscales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Shapiro-Wilk test, and a two-way mixed ANOVA. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Post-test mean scores of the PMSS and its subscales (depressive mood, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, depressive thoughts, pain, and sleep changes) showed statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). While a significant within-group improvement in PSQI scores was observed in the intervention group, no statistically significant between-group difference in sleep quality was found (<i>p</i> > 0.05). For the SF-36 subscales, bodily pain, vitality (energy), role emotional, and mental health scores significantly improved in the intervention group compared with the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Footbath was found to reduce PMS symptoms and improve quality of life in students with PMS. However, it did not lead to a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality when compared with the control group.