Factors Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome among Nursing Students Based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to explain premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in nursing students based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (TOUS). PMS includes physiological factors (pain intensity during clinical practice, sleep quality), psychological factors (neuroticism, stress), situational factors (attitudes toward menstruation, sex role stereotypes) that influence symptoms. Therefore, thoroughly investigating the correlates of PMS among nursing students is necessary.Method: Data were collected from March 2022 to May 2022 through a cross-sectional study of female students using a selfreported questionnaire. A total of 330 female students (in the fourth grade) enrolled in the nursing department of a college in G city were recruited via convenience sampling. Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to explore differences in PMS, with Scheffe's test performed post hoc. We analyzed correlations using Pearson's correlation and performed multiple regression analyses to investigate the factors influencing PMS.Results: PMS was positively significantly correlated with menstrual pain intensity during clinical practice (r = 0.51, p < 0.01), attitudes toward menstruation (r = 0.15, p < 0.01), neuroticism (r = 0.37, p < 0.01) and stress (r = 0.39, p < 0.01), but negatively correlated with sleep quality (r = −0.38, p < 0.01). The results of multiple regression analysis showed that menstrual pain intensity during clinical practice (β = 0.42), sleep quality (β = −0.23), neuroticism (β = 0.17) and stress (β = 0.21) affected PMS. The regression model was significant (F = 44.64, p < 0.001) and explanatory power was 44%. Conclusion:The findings of this study identified physiological and psychological factors influencing PMS. Developing an appropriate understanding of these influencing factors and customized interventions may be associated with the improvement of PMS in female college students enrolled in the Department of Nursing