Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its association with psychosocial and lifestyle variables: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

Abstract

Background Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a very common problem with symptoms that can negatively affect normal daily life. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PMS symptoms and their relationship with psychosocial status and lifestyle of female students at An-Najah National University in Palestine. A sample of 398 female students was randomly selected to participate in the study. Arabic Premenstrual Scale (A-PMS) was used for PMS assessment. Psychosocial variables were determined using the DASS-21 Arabic version, and dietary habits were measured using a 24 item self-reported questionnaire. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests using SPSS software version 23. Results The 398 participants (100%) suffered from some kind of PMS symptoms; 398 (100%) had physical symptoms, 397 (99.7%) had psychological symptoms, and 339 (85.2%) had behavioral PMS symptoms. All PMS symptoms were significantly associated with student psychosocial status (p < 0.01). Preferring a certain type of food during menstruation was significantly related to psychological PMS symptoms (p < 0.001), and physical symptoms (p < 0.01). Following a diet was significantly related to physical symptoms (p < 0.05) and behavioral symptoms (p < 0.001). Moreover, drinking herbal tea was significantly related to physical symptoms (p < 0.001) and behavioral symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings of the study revealed a relatively high prevalence of PMS syndrome with a significant relationship with dietary habits and psychosocial status.

COVID-19-Associated Mental Health Impact on Menstrual Function Aspects: Dysmenorrhea and Premenstrual Syndrome, and Genitourinary Tract Health: A Cross Sectional Study among Jordanian Medical Students

“…Both studies revealed that females with PMS exhibited more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Moreover, a couple of recent studies conducted among university female students also showed that increased PMS severity is associated with a worsening of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms [43,44].…”

Comparison of Menstruation-Related Symptoms Before and During Menstruation of University Students in Japan, a Year after the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Skin blemish, which was the most prevalent symptom in our study, may occur when sebum secretion increases due to increased progesterone secretion after ovulation. However, the prevalence rate of the skin disorder for university students varies greatly from 36% in Iran (Ghiasi, Keramat, & Mollaahmadi, 2018) to 80% for acne in Palestine (Abu Alwafa, Badrasawi, & Haj Hamad, 2021). Moreover, 56% of adults in USA reported that their acne got worse before menstruation (Geller, Rosen, Frankel, & Goldenberg, 2014), and 44% of adult women experienced premenstrual flares of their acne but this was not affected by ethnicity (Stoll et al, 2001).…”

Effect of Aerobic Exercises in Improving Premenstrual Symptoms Among Healthy Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“… 5 , 6 Epidemiological data shows that the symptoms are often mild in 75% of the women, but 3–8% reported to experience moderate to severe symptoms that are associated with substantial distress and functional impairment. 7 Premenstrual symptoms often interferes with occupational productivity, quality of life, interpersonal relationships and daily living activities and also it is considered as an limiting factor for female adolescents and young women aspiring to achieve developmental goals. Studies have also shown that adolescents with PMS are in poor health 8 and in some women it is so bad that they are unable to cope up with their daily lifestyle with PMS.…”