Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome, to explore methods to cope with it and to determine the relation between premenstrual symptoms and the students'quality of life.
MATERIALS and METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 201 nursery students. Students who were at school at the questionnaire period, who accepted to participate in the study, who did not have a diagnosed psychiatric problem and who had normal menstrual cycle were taken as survey group (n=168). In order to evaluate premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual syndrome scale was used. Quality of life was determined by SF-36 (Short Form) quality of life scale.
RESULTS: Premenstrual syndrome prevalence in nursery students was 60.1%. Premenstrual syndrome was seen more in students who had pain in mensturation period than others. The most common physical problems were found as stomachache, skin/face acnes, breast sensibility/pain. The most common psychological problems were anger, sensibility and fractiousness. Students thought that premenstrual symptoms mostly effect their physical health, psychological health and social life. It was found that PMS had negative effects on the students' quality of life. Physical role functioning, emotional role functioning, mental health, vitality status and general health perceptions were found worse in students who had PMS whereas no relation was found between PMS and physical functioning or social role functioning of students. Methods to cope with premenstrual syndrome was found as sleeping, eating sweety foods, using analgesics, drinking much water and using herbals.
CONCLUSION: Premenstrual syndrome was seen in one third of the students and had negative effects on their quality of life. In order to promote the quality of life of the students, it is important to educate youth about sexual health, adolescent period and methods to cope with adolescent problems.
