Premenstrual tension syndrome and its impact on family function

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual tension syndrome (PMTS) is defined as periodic physical, cognitive, behavioral and mood changes during the premenstrual phase, about 90% of women report some PMS symptoms which adversely affect their normal performance. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of PMTS among undergraduate female students at Suez University, and its effect on family function. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire. Two validated tools were used for assessment; the PMTS-OR scale for premenstrual tension syndrome assessment and family APGAR score for family function assessment, 190 participants among female students at Suez University shared in the study during the period between February to April 2020. Results: The mean age of participants was 19.95 years, 60.5% of them were students in theoretical colleges, 3.7% had no PMTS while 14.7%, 42.1%, 39.5% had mild, moderate, and severe premenstrual tension syndrome, respectively. Drinking coffee, late sleep, regularity of menstruation and educational attainment were significantly associated with PMTS. 15.8% were severely dysfunctional, 45.3% of participant had moderate family dysfunction, and 38.9% were highly functional. There was a statistically significant relationship between family dysfunction and both regularity of menstruation and premenstrual tension syndrome. Moderate and severe forms of PMTS were associated with increased probability of having family dysfunction. Conclusions: This study proved that PMTS is highly prevalent among undergraduate female students at Suez University and has a significant association with family dysfunction, so health awareness programs to girls and their families are needed to improve knowledge regarding menstrual disorders.