Assessment Of Menstrual Attitudes And Predictors For Premenstrual Syndrome In University Students Of Ooty, South India

Abstract

Aim:

Present study aimed to report prevalence and potential predictors for PMS/PMDD and attitude towards menstruation in university students.

Methods:

Present cross-sectional study was conducted in 250 female students from JSS college of Pharmacy, Ooty. Participants were subjected to Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool (PSST). Further the attitudes of the participants towards menstruation were measured using Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ).

Results:

The overall prevalence of PMS/PMDD in study was found to be 37.6%. The frequent symptoms associated with PMS/PMDD among the study population were found to be fatigue/lack of energy (74.99%) followed by tearful sensitivity to rejection (67.18%) and anger/irritability (66.66%). Bi-variate analysis revealed age, increased body mass index, altered sleep duration, lack of physical activity, family history of PMS as potential predictors for PMS/PMDD in University students. Overall, study participants demonstrated positive attitude towards menstruation. Participants with PMS/PMDD demonstrated significant difference within attitude in two out of five dimensions of MAQ indicating a slight variation in menstrual attitude with their healthy counterparts.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of PMS/PMDD in current study was less when compared to western countries. Majority of predictors identified were modifiable in nature. Interactive community health awareness campaigns can be undertaken from Universities/Government in order to increase awareness regarding PMS/PMDD in young adults.