The Moderating Effect of Physical Activity in the Relationship Between Eco‐Anxiety and Premenstrual Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Ecological anxiety related to climate change is thought to be a risk factor for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Regular physical activity can effectively reduce both physical and psychological symptoms associated with PMS. This study was conducted to examine the moderating effect of physical activity on the relationship between climate change-related eco-anxiety and PMS. METHODS: This cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted between February and March 2025 on 635 female students studying in health-related departments of a university. Personal information form, PMS scale, eco-anxiety scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short form were used to collect data. RESULTS: The prevalence of PMS was 87.7% and the median score on the Eco-anxiety scale was 13. The direct effect of eco-anxiety on PMS was positive and statistically significant (β = 0.606, p < 0.001). The direct effect of physical activity on PMS was negative and statistically significant (β = -0.067, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that eco-anxiety levels affect PMS symptoms and that physical activity has a modulatory effect on the relationship between eco-anxiety and PMS. Psychosocial interventions aimed at reducing eco-anxiety and lifestyle changes that promote physical activity should be considered in interventions to manage premenstrual syndrome. It is important that women's health nurses and midwives, who have an important role in protecting and promoting women's health, consider eco-anxiety in their interventions.