Health promotion and education proposal among Chinese female college students:eliminating cervical cancer is no longer a dream

Cervical cancer is a serious threat to women’s health.Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus(HPV)infection is a necessary factor for cervical cancer development and has become a serious public health threat to women.At present,young women have become a high-risk group for potential HPV infection.HPV vaccination is an effective method to prevent HPV infection and related diseases and is a primary preventive measure for HPV infection-related diseases.This study explores the influencing factors of female college students’willingness to receive HPV vaccination,their ability to understand college students’HPV awareness,their motivation for HPV vaccination,their behavioral skills related to HPV vaccination,their willingness to receive HPV vaccination and their vaccination rate.The aim of this study was to increase the HPV vaccination rate of Chinese female college students through health education programs and thus reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.

A Study on the Impact of Cheerleading on the Psychological Health of Female College Students

This study investigates the effects of technical cheerleading and dance cheerleading on the psychological health of female college students by utilizing the Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90),the Comprehensive Diagnostic Scale for Interpersonal Relationships,and the Social Adaptability Diagnostic Scale.The findings indicate the following:(1)Technical cheerleading has a highly significant impact on sensitivity in interpersonal relationships,paranoia,and psychoticism,and a significant effect on anxiety and hostility;dance cheerleading has a highly significant effect on paranoia;(2)Both technical and dance cheerleading have minimal impact on the overall score distribution of interpersonal relationships among female college students,but the dimensions of their effects differ;(3)The impact of technical cheerleading on the social adaptability of female college students is more pronounced than that of dance cheerleading.

Health Related Physical Fitness Measures: Reference Values and Predictive Equations for Saudi Female College Students

Health related-physical fitness (HRPF) is critical for maintaining and enhancing health and quality of life. Purposes: To estimate the reference values and predictive equations for frequently used clinical field HRPF measures in a sample of Saudi female college students aged 18 - 24 years. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, body fat percentage (BF %) was estimated. Curl-up test (CUT) and sit and reach test (SRT) were applied in 216 students. The Queen’s College Step Test (QCST) was used to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Physical activity (PA) level was also measured using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: The mean of BF %, SRT, CUT, and predicted VO2 max were 23.98% ± 6.13%, 17.10 ± 7.50 cm, 28.17 ± 7.72 number/min, and 39.58 ± 4.01 ml/kg/min respectively. There was no significant effect of age on all HRPF measures except for BF % (F (6,215) = 3.25, p (6,215) = 4.01, p strated that BMI was the predictor for BF % and SRT and explained 65% and 4% of total variance respectively. IPAQ score, age, and height were the predictors of CUT counting 17% of total variance. While, BMI and IPAQ score were the predictors for VO2 max and explained 13% of the total variance. Conclusion: Reference values can be used clinically in the evaluation of HRPF, in the rehabilitation process as well as in designing a program to improve the HRPF for female college students with consideration of age, height, BMI, and PA level for a particular population.

Factors Related to Engaging in Physical Activity: A Mixed Methods Study of Female University Students

Objective: As a needs assessment for intervention, quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, knowledge, and weight control status related to physical activity in female university students within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A two-phase mixed method design was used. In Phase I, 362 students participated in an online survey, and in Phase II, 33 students participated in five focus group discussions. Ages of participants ranged from 18 to 45 years old, with 18 - 25 year olds making up over 74% of the sample. Results: Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, along with weight control status of trying to lose weight, were found to be significant predictors of intention to follow physical activity recommendations, which in turn were the strongest predictor of physical activity. Knowledge was not found to be significant. Group discussions revealed barriers to meeting physical activity recommendations, which included lack of companionship and social support, lack of motivation, time and cost restrictions, and lack of privacy in the gym. Social norms exerted both positive and negative influences. Conclusion: The mixed method approach provided a deeper insight into the influential factors pertaining to physical activity among female students, and results could be used in further research to develop effective interventions.

Assessment of level of knowledge and utilization of emergency contraception among female students of Hawassa University, south Ethiopia

Introduction: Emergency contraception is used as an emergency procedure to prevent unintended pregnancy secondary to an unprotected se xual intercourse and method failure. Hence, this study assessed the level of knowledge and utilization of emergency contraception among undergraduate regular female students of Hawassa University, south Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among female students of Hawassa University in December 2012. Seven hundred seventy six of the students were sampled by using multistage sampling technique. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: The majority 719 (92.7%) of female university students ever had sexual intercourse and 17 (2.2%) experienced forced sex. Eight (47%) of these 17 students experienced unintended pregnancy all of which resulted in an induced abortion. Three hundred seventy nine (72.2%) of the respondents had knowledge about emergency contraceptives and only 41 (10.8%) of them had ever used emergency contraceptives;oral contraceptive pills were the most widely used form of all emergency contraceptives 41 (10.8%). Age, marital status and age at menarche were associated with knowledge of emergency contraception;moreover, residence, year of study and experience of forced sex were found to be predictors of emergency contraception utilization. Conclusion: Female university students had been experiencing high rate of unintended sexual practice and pregnancy, low knowledge level and utilization of emergency contraceptives;moreover, they had no youth-friendly access to the services. Therefore, there is a need for collaborated effort to improve service access and scale up their utilization level to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Facilitators and Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening among Female Undergraduate Students of Makerere University

There is a higher Human Papilloma Virus peak prevalence in younger women (18 - 25 years) of university age. The undergraduate university students are more at a risk of acquiring cervical cancer because they are at the stage of exploring which predisposes them to risky behavior like early sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners among others. This creates a need for cervical cancer screening in the population. The facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening have been studied in the Ugandan general population but little is known among University students which this study is taking interest. Objective: This study is aimed at determining the facilitators, barriers and background factors associated to cervical cancer screening among female undergraduate students in Makerere University. Methods: Four hundred twenty-two (422) female undergraduate students of Makerere University who fit the eligibility criteria were recruited in this descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study. A self-administered semi structured questionnaire was administered to these participants chosen by convenient sampling. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 23 software and logistic regression models was used. Results: Less than a half of (21.1%) of the participants had ever screened for cervical cancer. At multivariate analysis, only year of study and married status were associated to cervical cancer screening with a P-values were of (0.015) and (0.001) with a (1.173 - 4.261) and (1.594 - 6.130) 95% CI respectively. The facilitators agreed upon by participants included: Access to free cervical cancer screening services, adequate knowledge about cervical cancer screening and advice from a friend, family or physician among others. The reported barriers to screening were fear of bad result, low risk perception and fear of embarrassment among others. Conclusions and Recommendations: Among the female undergraduate students of Makerere University, only 21.1% had screened for cervical cancer. Therefore, there is a critical need for university based cancer education campaign on cervical cancer and the benefits of screening. Screening services should be integrated into the existing university medical services.

A Survey on the Sexual and Contraceptive Behaviors in Chinese Female College Students

To get information in the sexual and contraceptive behaviors in Chinese female college students, a randomized cluster sampling was conducted in colleges and universities in Wuhan Area, China, in terms of types of colleges, subjects （literature, sciences, medicines, art etc）, and grades etc. A total number of 2450 questionnaires were distributed, with 2365 questionnaires returned being valid. The return rate of valid questionnaires was 96.6 %. The questionnaire investigation was conducted on a multiple-choice and anonymous basis. Data were input into computer and SPSS12.0 software package was employed for statistical analysis. Among the female students, 1196 had the experiences of hugging and kissing （50.57 %） and 423 （17.89 %） had sexual experiences （sexual intercourse）. The first sexual intercourse took place at the age of 19.23±1.74 y. There were significant differences in the sexual experiences among the majors of different subjects, with the rate of sexual experiences in art majors （43.17 %） and high-grade students （34.31%） being the highest. The causes of the first sexual intercourse included sexual impulse, curiosity, intention to strengthen the relationship or to show loyalty to boyfriend and sometimes violence. While the motives of the sexual intercourse within the past one year before the investigation were to satisfy the sexual needs and to strengthen the relation with their boyfriends. With both first intercourse and sexual experiences within last one year, the partners of the sexual intercourse were mainly their boyfriends （95.7 % and 97.3 % respectively）, but the partners also included acquaintances, ＂one night stand＂ partners and customers of sex trade. Some of them had multiple sexual partners, with the highest number of the sexual partners being 11. In the first sexual intercourse of the subjects, 44.0 % of them did not take any contraceptive measures; only 16.4 % of them used condoms. In the sexual intercourse within the last one year, only 44.6 % took contraceptive measures every time they had sexual intercourse. Among those who took contraceptive measures, 64.4 % used condoms. Among those who had sexual intercourse, 101 persons got pregnant, with a rate of pregnancy being 4.3 %, accounting for 23.9 % of all who had sexual intercourse. Among those who got pregnant, 78 persons got pregnant once; the others became pregnant more than two times, the highest being 5 times. There were 122 persons who had inflammation of reproductive system, mostly vaginitis. Other conditions included venereal warts and herpes genitalis. It is concluded that the rate of sexual behaviors is high in female college students and there exist promiscuity, unexpected pregnancy and transmission of STD in the students.

Intervention Study on Hypnotherapy of Primary Dysmenorrhea in Female College Students

Objective:To understand the relevant situation of primary dysmenorrhea among the subjects and target the relief of pain and associated symptoms through hypnotherapy only.Methods:The study recruited a total of 23 female college students who underwent primary dysmenorrhea as objects and conducted a self-report study.The clinical effect of hypnotic suggestion on primary dysmenorrhea was analyzed using the Visual Analogue Scale and the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire as observation indexes.Results:This finding demonstrated a significant reduction in the primary pain score after treatment(t=6.59,P<0.01).Moreover,no significant difference was noted between the first time and the second and third times after treatment.A significant difference was observed in the total scores of MDQ before and after treatment,which indicated the positive effect of hypnotherapy(F=28.52,P<0.001).After treatment,the scores of pain(F=7.85,P<0.001),concentration(F=5.12,P<0.001),behavioural change(F=8.12,P<0.001),autonomic reactions(F=14.54,P<0.001),water retention(F=5.7,P<0.001)and negative effect(F=16.08,P<0.001)were significantly lower than that of before treatment.Through a comparison of the correlation between the reduction rate of pain score and suggestibility at different stages of treatment,the study noted no significant correlation(P>0.05).Conclusion:The experimental results demonstrate that hypnotherapy is effective in treating primary dysmenorrhea.hypnotherapy intervention can improve negative emotions and level of attention and promote behavior change.

Prevalence and associated factors of sexual violence among private college female students in Bahir Dar city, North Western Ethiopia

Background: Despite the higher risk victimization of young women in Ethiopia, the prevalence of sexual violence and its determinants among college students were scarce, particularly in the study area. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and associated factors of sexual violence among female private college students in Bahir Dar city. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in April 2012 among 541 female college students in Bahir Dar city using multistage sampling technique. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used. The data were analyzed in bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis with SPSS version 16 soft ware package. Result: The study revealed that the prevalence of sexual violence among female college students was 37.3%. Respondents whose childhood background from rural areas were more than four times likely to have had sexual violence (AOR = 4.51, 95%CI: 1.67 - 12.16). The odds of sexual violence were higher for those respondents who had a close friend who drank alcohol (AOR = 3.13, 95%CI: 1.09 - 8.97). Besides, respondents who had never discussed on reproductive health issues with their parents were more than four times likely to have had sexual violence (AOR = 4.36, 95%CI: 1.40 -13.56). Conclusion: This study shows that sexual violence among female college students is higher. Sexual violence is associated with certain variables such as rural childhood residence, having a close friend who drank alcohol, and not discussing reproductive issues with parents. Therefore, it is recommend ed that sexual violence needs due attention and remedial action from policy makers, college officials, parents, students and other concerned bodies.

Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Black and White Female College Students at Two- and Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Objective: We compared fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, physical activity (PA), and overweight/ obesity among Black and White females attending two- and four-year colleges. Methods: We recruited 24,055 students at six colleges in the Southeast to complete an online survey, yielding 4840 responses (20.1% response rate). The current analyses focused on the 2276 Black and White females. Results: Binary logistic regression analyses indicated that recommended FV intake among White females was associated with greater extraversion (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.00, 1.11, p = 0.05) and greater conscientiousness (OR = 1.08, CI 1.02, 1.14, p = 0.01), whereas among Black females correlates included greater openness to experience (OR = 1.08, CI 1.01, 1.15, p = 0.03). Ordinal logistic regression analyses indicated that, among White females, greater PA was associated with attending a four-year college (Beta = 0.27, CI 0.01, 0.53, p = 0.04), whereas among Black females, correlates were with younger age (Beta = -0.01, CI -0.17, -0.03, p = 0.003) and greater emotional stability (Beta = 0.07, CI 0.01, 0.13, p = 0.02). Binary logistic regression analyses indicated that, among White females, being overweight or obese was associated with older age (OR = 1.08, CI 1.01, 1.16, p = 0.03), attending a two-year college (OR = 1.62, CI 1.22, 2.16, p = 0.001), and lower satisfaction with life (OR = 0.96, CI 0.94, 0.98, p = 0.002), whereas among Black females, being overweight or obese was associated with older age (OR = 1.87, CI 1.10, 1.28, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Identifying factors related to obesity-related factors is critical in developing interventions targeting factors associated with overweight and obesity among Black and White females attending two- and four-year colleges. Moreover, understanding different college settings and the contextual factors associated with overweight/obesity is critical.

Discussion on the Relationship between Dieting and Bone Density among Female College Students and the Health Guidance

We studied the relationship between dieting and bone density among female college students and the current state thereof. Female college students are generally thin, with the time to giving birth and raising the next generation approaching. We expect the results of this study will be useful in improving health guidance. The subjects consisted of 124 female college students. Their average age was 21.4. The ultrasonic propagation velocity of the heel bone was measured as the bone density value. Body height, weight, and BMI (Body mass index) were also measured. Further, a multiple choice and short answer survey was conducted regarding their desire to be thin and dieting. Classifying the subjects by BMI, 16 students were underweight (13%), 102 students were of normal weight (84%), and 4 students were overweight (3%). 95% of those in the normal weight group had a desire to be thin, while 44% of the underweight group had a desire to be thin. Moreover, 31% of those in the normal weight group were currently on a diet, while 21% of the underweight group was also on a diet. The distribution of bone density (%YAM value: Young Adult Mean) was as follows: 61 students (49%) were in the high density group (≥100);58 students (47%) were in the middle density group (≥80 - <100);and 5 students (4%) were in the low density group (<80). The more the bone density decreased, the greater the proportion of students with dieting experience. Among students with no dieting experience, the %YAM value was high when the BMI value was high. All of the students in the low density group had a desire to be thin, even though their bone density was low. Students who do not need to be thin had a desire to be thin and were considering continuing dieting going forward. Moreover, some students fell into the %YAM low density group, which is worrisome for the future. It is believed necessary to reinforce health guidance regarding dieting and bone density in school education. In particular, it is necessary to improve guidance since we observed a lack of knowledge regarding osteoporosis prevention.

Relationship between Taste Sensitivity and Eating Style in Japanese Female University Students

This study investigated the relationship between taste sensitivity, the frequency and the preference for eating foods rich in zinc, dietary habits, and restrained eating among Japanese female undergraduate students. Forty-three subjects be-tween the ages of 20 and 22 participated in this study. After a taste-sensitivity test for sweetness and saltiness the stu-dents completed a food list indicating the intake frequency and preference of foods rich in zinc and their eating habits. The students were divided into four groups: high salt-taste sensitivity (SA-HG), low salt-taste sensitivity (SA-LG), high sweet-taste sensitivity (SW-HG), and low sweet-taste sensitivity (SW-LG). Individuals in the SA-HG group ate more foods rich in zinc and were more concerned with their health than those in the SA-LG group. Further, the SW-LG group ate more convenience foods than the SW-HG group. High salt-taste sensitivity could be predicted by eating more but less preference of foods rich in zinc, less snacking, and greater regularity of meals. On the other hand there is a signifi-cant positive relationship between the frequencies of eating and preference for foods rich in zinc. This means the results were inconsistent, further research is needed to clarify this point.

Differences in Self-Assessment Regarding Eating Behaviors among Female University Students Living in Japan, Korea, and Austria

Objective: To investigate cross-cultural differences in self-assessments of eating behaviors of female university students who bear responsibility for their own eating behaviors and who will, in the future, likely determine a family’s eating style. Design: A cross-cultural comparison. Setting: Japan, South Korea, and Austria. Subjects: Female university students from Japan (n = 276), Korea (n = 103), and Austria (n = 127). The survey comprised a questionnaire containing ten sections about eating behaviors (eating habits, regular meal times, and frequency of food intake) and eating attitudes. Results: Eating behaviors and attitudes differed significantly among the three cultures. Japanese students practiced healthier eating behaviors than did Korean and Austrian students, on the basis of their variety of food intake and regular consumption of three meals, but rated themselves lower on healthy eating behaviors. Austrian students tended to have more independent attitudes toward eating and food preparation (e.g., “I want to eat only my favorite dishes”) than Japanese or Korean students. Conclusions: Effects of cultural differences in psychological processes, such as self-cognition, emotion, motivation, and values, on self-assessment of eating behaviors is suggested.

Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Vitamin D and Calcium Intake in Healthy Female College Students

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the reproducibility and validity of a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and assess calcium and vitamin D intake in health female college students. Methods: Thirty-five healthy female students were conveniently selected to participate in the study. None of the subjects were taking any supplements. The FFQ was validated against intakes from a three-day diet food record report (FR). Results: Positive correlations were observed of daily vitamin D (r = 0.82, p –8, 9, p < 0.676 and 43 mg/d (95% CI: 20, 65, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The FFQ used in this study shows promising validation evidence to be used in the future for assessing vitamin D and calcium intakes in female students.

The status of tobacco use and knowledge,and attitudes relating to smoking among female students in a Bengbu medical school

Objective： To learn the status of tobacco use, and the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among female students in Bengbu Medical College. Methods： In a cross-sectional survey, questionnaires were completed by 634 female students in the medical college in 2007, including the prevalence of current smoking, their knowledge of the effects of tobacco use on health, and attitudes towards the smoking behaviors of young women. Results： Only 6.9% of female medical students were former smokers, and 4.9% of them were current smokers. There was no significant difference in the current smoking rate among the students from each department surveyed. Female students from urban areas were more likely to be current or attempted smokers than those from rural areas. The proportion of the students who were aware of the health risks of smoking was less than 45%. The students from the Department of Nursing had more knowledge regarding the harmful health effects of smoking than those from the other departments. There was no significant difference in attitudes towards the smoking behaviors of young women among the students from each department. Compared with female students from rural areas, the female students from urban areas were significantly more likely to think that a young woman who smoked was cool, mature and charming. Conclusion： The smoking prevalence of the female students in Bengbu Medical College is high. They are not aware of the smoking related risks and have erroneous beliefs and perceptions about female smoking behaviors.

Entrepreneurial Mind-Set Among Female University Students： A Study of University of Jos Students, Nigeria

In today＇s world, entrepreneurship is seen as the vital source for economic growth, and education in the creation and development of entrepreneurial attitudes. It is, therefore, natural to consider female students as the primary resource of future entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship as a career option is becoming increasingly desirable. Responding to this need, many colleges and universities around the world have significantly increased their offerings of entrepreneurship courses over the past 25 years. Entrepreneurship courses are not only offered by Business Institutes, but other faculties like Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Information Technology are also offering these courses in their syllabus. The problem under focus was to examine entrepreneurial mindset among female university students, a study of University of Jos. The study also ascertained the rate at which variables like： perception of entrepreneurship, role model and university＇s role to promote entrepreneurship are translated into entrepreneurial mindset of female students of University of Jos. A sample size of about 400 was adopted from the three Faculties of Management Science, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences which were selected at random. Furthermore, the data obtained were analyzed using simple percentage and presented in tables and charts, the hypothesis which states that there is no significant relationship between the teaching of entrepreneurship and university female students＇ entrepreneurial mindset which was tested using z-test analyses of population proportion earlier conducted. This implies a weak relationship between the teaching of entrepreneurship and university female students＇ entrepreneurial mindset. Based on the above inference, the research recommended that, as providers of entrepreneurship trainings, universities must create entrepreneurship supportive environment that could encourage entrepreneurial activity which would in turn help develop an enterprise culture among the female students.

Financial Aid for Female Graduate Students, Researchers and Foreign Residents in Mexico, Over 35 Years Old

CONACYT in Mexico has implemented in recent years three types of scholarships and different specific supports for women who wish to complete their professional training, based on the National Development Plan ＂Equal Opportunities＂. These are in first place, Support for mothers who are heads of household （Bachelor and technical formation of a third level） such as single, divorced, widowed or separated Mexican mothers. In second place, it is the program complementing an education, specialization, masters or PhD--through Scholarship grants for academic strengthening of indigenous women in CONACYT enrolled in graduate studies in Mexico or abroad and the third place the Young Talents Program. Those modalities have met their specific objectives （we will focus on the first type）; however, the realities pertaining to the academic, scientific, work and life cycle of women in the XXI century go beyond marital statuses, motherhood, or any particular social statuses or being indigenous and this study motives the analysis of this matter in the country.

Correlations between five-pattern personality scores from traditional Chinese medicine and autonomic nervous response indicators in healthy female college students

Objective:To explore the correlations between five-pattern personality scores and autonomic nervous response indicators in Chinese female college students,to provide a foundation for further exploration of the modern physiological basis of these personality types.Methods:Subjects were asked to fill in 'The Five-Pattern Personality Inventory' (revised edition 2008).Taiyang,Shaoyang,yin-yang balance,Taiyin,and Shaoyin personalities were scored.The galvanic skin response and heart rate,and the low frequency (LF),high frequency (HF),and LF/HF ratio of heart rate variability were collected using a 16-channel physiological recorder (BIOPAC MP150).Relationship between the five-pattern personality scores and autonomic nervous response indicators was analyzed using bivariate correlation.Results:The five-pattern personality scores of the subjects were compared with national averages.The Taiyang and Shaoyang personality scores of the subjects were significantly lower than the overall national average,the national female average,and the national female average in the 18-29-year-old age group (all P <.05).The Taiyang personality score was negatively correlated with both the LF and the HF (P =.009 and P =.001,respectively),and the yin-yang balance personality score was significantly negatively correlated with the galvanic skin response (P =.026).Conclusion:There is a relationship between five-pattern personality scores and autonomic nervous response indicators in Chinese female college students.The higher the Taiyang personality score,the lower the sympathetic and vagus nerve excitability;the higher the yinyang balance personality score,the lower the sympathetic nerve excitability.

Analysis and Guiding Strategy of Female College Students' Behaviors in the Webcast

With the rise of live webcasts,the phenomenon of female college students'live webcasts is worthy of attention.According to the present situation,female college students'behaviors of the live webcast are different because of the difference in subject attributes,and they have higher cognition degrees due to the effect of advertisement implantation.Thanks to the convenient means of live broadcast,the diversity of the motive of live broadcast,and the multi-dimensional content,they have higher participation.There are many hidden dangers because of weak supervision and management.The main problems are as follows:the content has a vulgar tendency,public opinion has out-of-control risk,competition has hidden violence,supervision has a“Vacuum zone”.To strengthen the education and guidance of female college students'live webcast behaviors,we should adhere to the valuable guidance and set up the correct network values.Meanwhile,we also need to strengthen the guidance of public opinions,purify the field of live broadcast public opinion,and improve media literacy to establish an excellent concept of network security,strengthen network supervision,and build a perfect system of live broadcast rules.

The experiences of menstrual symptom changes among international students studying in China during the acculturation period: A phenomenology study

Objectives Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon among female which could be influenced by the process of acculturation.Few studies have explored the experience of menstrual symptom changes among international female students studying in China.Therefore,this paper aims to summarize international female students’experiences of menstrual symptom changes when they were studying in China and interpret these changes through considering the influence of acculturation on their social and academic lives.Methods We used a descriptive phenomenology approach.Structured in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted between May and November 2019 among ten international female students studying in one Province located in south central China.Participants were those who reported having experienced menstrual symptom changes during the acculturation period,which was defined as the first six months of living in China.All interviews were audio-recorded,transcribed verbatim,and analyzed using NVivo 11.0 with the guidance of Colaizzi's seven-step method.Results The international female students’experiences of menstrual symptom changes were summarized and grouped into five main categories and 13 subcategories.The main categories include:1)demonstration of menstrual symptom changes,2)challenges of maintaining menstrual function in the new setting,3)coping styles to take care of menstrual health,4)consequences of the menstrual symptom changes,and 5)culture-based attitude toward menstruation.Conclusions International female students reported experiences of menstrual symptom changes,including somatic and psychological symptoms during the acculturation period.Culture barriers,academic stress,and sleep patterns are common factors influencing their menstrual symptom changes.More culturally-tailored interventions should be explored to improve the menstrual health of international female students in China.