Abstract
Mothers and family members of young female students play important roles for guiding their self-care strategies for menstruation-related symptoms; which often affect their daily life and academic life. The aim of this study is to clarify the differences in menstruation-related symptoms before and during menstruation in university students living alone and university students living with their family in Japan. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey to assess menstruation-related symptoms before and during menstruation using the menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ). Among 135 students; the proportion of students living alone was 60.7% and the proportion of students living with their family was 39.3%. Before menstruation; the MDQ total score and the scores for negative affect and behavior change were significantly higher in students living alone than in students living with their family. During menstruation; scores for negative affect and impaired concentration were also significantly higher in students living alone. In addition; before menstruation; scores for an increase in appetite and craving for sweets were significantly higher in students living alone. Thus; living alone affected the psychological aspects of menstruation-related symptoms in young women. The results suggest that university students who live alone should be aware of the importance of talking about their menstruation problems with family members and seeking their advice
Highlights
Received: 5 December 2021Menstruation-related symptoms, including premenstrual symptoms and menstrual pain, have various effects on the daily life of young women
The menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ) total score and scores for negative affect and behavior change were significantly higher in students living alone than in students living with their family
Scores for negative affect and impaired concentration were significantly higher in students living alone than in students living with their family, and the MDQ total score and score for behavior change tended to be higher in students living alone (Table 4)
Summary
Menstruation-related symptoms, including premenstrual symptoms and menstrual pain, have various effects on the daily life of young women. A survey conducted in Japanese female high school students showed that premenstrual symptoms impaired “work efficiency or productivity and home responsibility” in 50.7% of the students, “social life activities” in 23.3% of the students and “relationships with coworkers or family” in. 24.0% of the students, and that 11.9% of the students were absent from school for more than day per month due to premenstrual symptoms [1]. A systematic review and meta-analysis of thirty-eight studies in young female school students or university students showed that. 20.1% of the students reported an absence from school or university due to dysmenorrhea, and that 40.9% of the students reported classroom performance or concentration being negatively affected [2]. Many young women primarily use self-care for their symptoms and their family plays a part in consultation regarding their symptoms.
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