Quality of Life among University Students with Premenstrual Syndrome

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the quality of life among university students with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde, in Recife, Brazil, between August 2016 and July 2017. Sociodemographic, gynecological, and lifestyle variables, and PMS occurrence, were investigated among 642 students. The short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL Bref) questionnaire was used to evaluate four domains of the quality of life of the students: physical, mental, social relationships, and environmental. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' criteria were used to define PMS. Results Of the 642 students, 49.9% had PMS, 23.3% had mild PMS and 26.6% had premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Most of the students were between 18 and 24 years old, had regular menstrual cycles, and practiced physical activity. Regarding the physical and mental domains of the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire, a statistically significant difference was observed between the students who did not have and those who had mild or PMDD (p < 0.001). A difference was also found between the students who did not have PMS and those who had mild PMS in the social relationships (p = 0.001) and environmental domains (p = 0.009). Conclusion Mild PMS and PMDD are prevalent among university students on health-related courses, and the syndrome can affect the students' self-assessment of all the domains of quality of life.

A potential relation between premenstrual symptoms and subjective perception of health and stress among college students: a cross-sectional study

“…The results of our study agree with those reported in earlier studies, which indicate that regardless of ethnicity, women in their late teens and early twenties frequently experience such premenstrual complications [4, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28]. As to the severity, epidemiological surveys found a certain percentage (7.7–26.6%) of college students suffering from PMDD—a particularly severe form of PMS defined as a distinct premenstrual affective disorder [29, 30]. In this study, 122 students (61%) experienced at least one severe or extremely severe symptom in the premenstrual phase.…”

“…Since none of them mentioned that their premenstrual symptoms disturbed academic performance, normal social activities, or relationships, we assume that their severity did not reach the level of severe PMS or PMDD. Although we need further investigation with prospective recordings to precisely evaluate premenstrual conditions, the study in hand reconfirms that a majority of college students are commonly aware of mind and body disharmony with a wide range of severity, in the late luteal phase as previous studies have presented [4, 21, 28–30].…”

Effect of whole body vibration versus resistive exercise on premenstrual symptoms in adolescents with premenstrual syndrome

“…PMS is characterized by intense physical, cognitive, behavioral, and somatic symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle [1,4]. These symptoms affect normal activities, interpersonal relationships, social activities, work efficiency, and educational productivity [5,6].…”

The effects of health belief model‐based education and acupressure for coping with premenstrual syndrome on premenstrual symptoms and quality of life: A randomized‐controlled trial

“…This study is important because it investigated the effects of health belief model‐based education for coping with premenstrual syndrome and acupressure on physical and psychological subscales of PMSS and quality of life and provided a model for future studies. Given the negative effects of premenstrual symptoms on women's school success, emotional well‐being, social activities, family relationships, and quality of life, the importance of this study could be understood better 4,6‐10 . Therefore, the use of these interventions and their inclusion in nursing care interventions are recommended to help women to reduce PMS symptoms.…”

“…Many women are unable to cope with symptoms, such as changes in emotions experienced during the premenstrual period, nervousness, impairment of concentration, depressed mood, or insomnia 5,6 . Therefore, premenstrual symptoms may adversely affect individuals' attendance to courses, school success, social activities, and family relations 7,9 . In addition, the studies have also shown that premenstrual symptoms affects the quality of life negatively 5,9‐11 .…”