Frequency and affecting factors of premenstrual syndrome among Turkish female university students

Abstract

AimPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to physical, cognitive, affective, and behavioral symptoms that occur cyclically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolve quickly at or within a few days of the onset of menstruation.MethodThis cross-sectional study was con-ducted among 403 female students attending education and training in Nec-mettin Erbakan University (NEU) Meram Medical Faculty for three months in 2014-2015. The questionnaire included items on students sociodemographic and menstrual pattern characteristics, concerning their age at menarche, menstrual cycle length, and regularity. The menstrual period properties of their mothers were recorded on a pre-prepared form by the researchers. Pre-menstrual syndrome scale (PMSS) was used to define the severity of symp-toms and the presence of PMS.ResultsThe mean age of the students who participated in the study was 20.67±1.95 (18-27 years). The mean score of Premenstrual Syndrome Scale was 105.97±30.45 (44-194). The frequency of PMS was found as 56.6% in this study. When PMS and menstrual features were compared, there was a statistically significant relationship between age (p=0.037), duration of menstruation (p=0.016), and the presence of PMS. Positive direction and very high correlation was found between PMS total score and fatigue, irritability, and depressive thoughts (r=0.826, r=0.788, r=0.833 p<0.000), respectively.ConclusionIn this study, the mean score of PMS was high among the university students. Efforts should be made to in-crease the awareness of premenstrual syndrome among university students and educate them about how to cope with it.

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