Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome in female nursing students at a public university: cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical, mood, cognitive and behavioral changes which happens between the two weeks before menstruation, which can hinder a woman’s personal, academic, and professional performance. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of PMS in female nursing students.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study using a virtual questionnaire on sociodemographic and gynecological characteristics and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) questionnaire, which looks for physical and psychological symptoms of PMS, interference of symptoms in daily life and establishes a positive screening for PMS.

RESULTS:

A total of 114 students participated in the study. The most prevalent characteristics were being between 18 and 23 years old, single and in their 5^th or 6^th academic year. In addition, the majority went through the menarche between 11 and 13 years of age, with menstrual flow of 3-5 days. Of these, 40.4% used hormonal contraceptive methods and 37.7% did not use any type of contraceptive method. The prevalence of PMS was 61.4%. The most frequent symptoms were physical symptoms (93.9%), anger/irritation (91.2%), urge to cry/increased sensitivity (88.6%), anxiety/tension (86.8%) and decreased interest in social activities (85.1%). These symptoms interfere with relationships with family (81.6%), social life activities (80.7%), efficiency at work or college/productivity (79.8%), relationships with colleagues at work/college (77.2%) and responsibilities at home (75.4%).

CONCLUSION:

PMS is prevalent among female nursing students and its symptoms affect the daily lives of this population, interfering with their personal and social relationships as well as academic activities.

Keywords:
Menstruation disturbances; Premenstrual syndrome; Quality of life; Students; Women’s health

HIGHLIGHTS

Premenstrual syndrome is prevalent among female nursing students.

The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome affect the daily lives of female nursing students.

Physical symptoms are the most frequent among nursing students.