Premenstrual Syndrome Among Kerbala University Female Students

Khadijah Haider  Hussein; Haqi Ismael  Mansoor

Khadijah Haider Hussein Academic Nurse, Iraqi Ministry of Health, Kerbala Health Department, Imam Hussein Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq
Haqi Ismael Mansoor Community Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Kerbala, Baghdad, Iraq.

Keywords: Premenstrual Syndrome, Female Students, Symptoms, Socio-demographic Characteristics, Reproductive Health

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common gynecological condition characterized by behavioral, physical, and psychological changes during the luteal phase, ending with menstruation. Despite its prevalence, the relationship between PMS symptoms and socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics in female students remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess PMS symptoms among female students and examine their association with socio-demographic and reproductive factors. A descriptive correlational study was conducted from September 26, 2023, to June 4, 2024, at Kerbala University, involving 372 female students. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire, including a 40-item PMS scale covering physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms, and demographic and reproductive characteristics. Validity and reliability were established through expert review and a pilot study. Data analysis using SPSS revealed that 57.3% of participants experienced moderate and 30.6% severe PMS symptoms. Significant relationships were found between PMS symptoms and residency, perceived monthly income, family history, menstrual duration, and amount of bleeding (p-values= .013, .019, .001, .012, and .001 respectively). No significant relationships were found with other variables. The study concludes that PMS symptoms among female students are moderate to severe, with notable associations with specific socio-demographic and reproductive factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to manage PMS symptoms in this population.

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