Premenstrual syndrome, coping mechanisms and associated factors among female students of a health sciences campus in South India

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of distressing physical and psychological symptoms occurring cyclically during the luteal phase of each menstrual cycle that begin a few days before menstruation and resolves within a few days of the onset of menstruation. This study focuses on finding the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms among university students and also to assess the socio-demographic, dietary and lifestyle factors associated with premenstrual symptoms. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted were participants were asked to fill a premenstrual syndrome scale (PMSS) questionnaire based on which they were categorised as ‘positive PMS’ or ‘negative PMS’. Any coping mechanism applied were also reported. Results: A total of 202 participants were part of the study of which 137 (67.8%) of them had premenstrual symptoms and of which 49 (79%) of them had a familial history of PMS. Menstrual related factors like familial history of PMS, perceived menstrual pain intensity, quantity of menstrual bleed, Duration of symptoms in the premenstrual periods were found to be significantly associated with PMS. Mood swings, abdominal cramps and generalised aches and pains were predominant symptoms reported by the students. Taking rest, sleeping and listening to music were the commonly applied coping mechanisms to relieve the symptoms. Conclusions: The prevalence of PMS is on the higher side i.e. 68.3% compared to many studies around the world. The health seeking behaviour knowledge about PMS seems to be quite low among the students and thereby indicates the need to provide awareness and give emphasis on the management of premenstrual symptoms both pharmacologically (if required) and non-pharmacologically.