The Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome Among Nursing Students and Affecting Factors

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome and to evaluate associated factors in nursing students. Methods: 184 female students responded to participate in this cross-sectional study. The dependent variable was the existence of Premenstrual Syndrome. The data was collected through a Personal Information Form (formed by the researchers) and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale. The data was analyzed by SPSS 16.0 statistical package program and t test, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis and logistic regression analysis were used. A p-value < 0.05 was accepted as the significance level. Results: The average total score of the students in the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale was 110.49 +/- 32.62. According to logistic regression model, Premenstrual Syndrome in students who stayed at the dormitory was 4.19 times greater than the students who stayed at their homes (95% CI: 2.128.32). In addition, it was 6.69 times (95% CI: 1.24-6.01) greater in the students who had gynecologic diseases than those who did not have such diseases and it was 2.96 times (95% CI: 1.31-6.73) greater in students that consumed fast-food than those who consumed a diet with fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: The average mean Premenstrual Syndrome scores of the students were greater and every other student has Premenstrual Syndrome. The students' awareness of Premenstrual Syndrome needs to be improved and there should be efforts in order to introduce methods for dealing with the problem.