Association between Dietary Patterns, Menstrual Problems, Sleep Quality, and Psychological Well-Being in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage characterized by significant biological, emotional, and psychological changes. This period is particularly important for adolescent girls, as their physical and mental well-being is strongly influenced by lifestyle factors such as dietary habits. The present study examined the relationship between food frequency and three major health outcomes: menstrual symptoms, sleep quality, and mental health among adolescent girls aged 13 to 19 years. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 202 female students in Sialkot through purposive sampling. Standardized assessment tools were used, including the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression, were conducted using SPSS version 25. The findings demonstrated a significant negative relationship between food frequency and health-related problems. Higher food frequency was associated with lower menstrual pain (r = -.54), fewer sleep disturbances (r = -.50), and reduced mental health problems (r = -.48). In addition, strong positive correlations were observed between sleep disturbances and menstrual symptoms (r = .72), as well as between sleep problems and mental health difficulties (r = .82). These results highlight the importance of integrated interventions focusing on healthy nutrition, proper sleep hygiene, and psychological well-being to improve the overall health of adolescent girls.