Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome is a set of symptoms that affect the quality of life, family relationships and social functioning of women. One of the recommended methods to control symptoms is lifestyle modification, which is emphasized by Persian medicine. Motivational interviewing helps to modify lifestyle by creating self-care behaviors. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of motivational interview with the content of principles of Hefz – Alsehe in Persian medicine on premenstrual physical and psychological symptoms.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was started on 21/01/2022 in selected medical centers in Zanjan. 50 women who had premenstrual symptoms after obtaining written informed consent were divided into two intervention (25) and control (25) groups with random allocation. The intervention was five individually and virtually sessions of motivational interviews based on the principles of Hefz-Alsehe in Persian medicine. Control group did not receive any intervention. The premenstrual symptoms screening tool was completed by the participants in three stages before the intervention, immediately after the intervention and three months follow-ups. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, chi- squared test, repeated measurement test and Benferroni's post hoc test in SPSS.
Results: In the intervention group, the mean changes (standard deviation) of psychological symptoms in pre-test 22.57(8.053), post-test 16.95(7.406) and follow-up 11.67(5.893) and the effect of symptoms on daily life activities the pre-test 10.05(2.356), post-test 5.24(2.624) and follow-up 4.52(2.694) with (P<0.01) was significant. Changes in physical symptoms were not significant.
Conclusions: According to the findings of the study, motivational interview focused on some principles of Hefz – Alsehe in Persian medicine can be used to improve the psychological symptoms of PMS and the impact of symptoms on daily life activities.