Physical and Psychological Symptoms Associated With Premenstrual Syndrome and Their Impact on the Daily Routine of Women in a Low Socioeconomic Status Locality.

Kiran Abbas,Ayesha Asghar,Kanza Abid,Ghazala Usman,Kousain U Haq,Aliza Rizvi,Amber Tahir,Rabab Qazi,Moiz Ahmed,Aresha Masood Shah,Syed Muhammad Usama

doi:10.7759/cureus.10821

Abstract

IntroductionThe constellation of the physical and psychological symptoms that appear several days before menstrual period is regarded as the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The current study evaluated the symptoms associated with PMS and their impact on the day-to-day activities of women.MethodologyAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted at a squatter settlement in Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2019 to February 2020. Amenorrheic, pregnant women, and women who were on birth control at the time of data collection were excluded from the study. The demographics, symptoms of PMS experienced by the participants, and the impact of PMS symptoms on the daily lives of women were recorded. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v.25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for data analysis. ResultsThe mean age ± standard deviation of 23.93 years ± 9.41 years was recorded. As many as 213 (63%) women reported dysmenorrhea, followed by fatigue in 108 (32%), bloating in 64 (18.9%), and back pain in 45 (13.3%) women. Irritability and anxiety were experienced by 134 (39.6%) and 117 (34.6%) women, respectively. When asked about their attitude and perception towards menstruation, more than four-fifth respondents confessed that they feel impure when they are experiencing their monthly period. About 38 women (11.2%) believed that menstruation is God’s way of punishing the womankind. For the question, “Do you feel that your normal routine is significantly disturbed during your period?”, 40% responded in affirmation.ConclusionThe findings of the current study reflected a generally negative attitude towards menstruation, which significantly affected the routine lives of women in our setting. The study further concluded that dysmenorrhea, fatigue, irritability, and anxiety were the most common symptoms of PMS experienced by women.

Highlights

MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the Bizerta Lines community (a low socioeconomic status locality with people from various social and cultural backgrounds), Karachi, Pakistan, between January 2019 and February 2020
The constellation of the physical and psychological symptoms that appear several days before menstrual period is regarded as the premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
The present study evaluated the frequency of both physical and psychological symptoms associated with PMS among women belonging to a shantytown in Karachi, Pakistan

Summary

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the Bizerta Lines community (a low socioeconomic status locality with people from various social and cultural backgrounds), Karachi, Pakistan, between January 2019 and February 2020. A total of 340 young girls and women participated in the study. Two of the participants left the study mid-way; they were excluded from the final analysis. Once the households were selected, female members of those households who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study. All menstruating women who had residence within the perimeter of Bizerta Lines, Karachi, and gave informed written consent were included in the study. Pregnant, menopausal, or had a history of birth control use were excluded from this study. The youngest participant of the study was 11 years old while the oldest was 47 years old

Results

Discussion

Conclusion