Prevalence of depressive symptoms among Turkish women experiencing premenstrual symptoms and correlated factors

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of depressive symptoms among Turkish women experiencing premenstrual symptoms and correlated factors. MethodThis descriptive and cross-sectional study. The data were collected with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Premenstruel Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and questionnaire form. A total of 121 married and literate women who agreed to participate were included in the study. ResultsThe proportions depressive symptoms among women with severe premenstrual symptoms and without severe premenstrual symptoms were 51% and 13.5% respectively. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the BDI score; the total PMSS score (r=0.403) and its subscales scores including depressive feelings (r=0.439); anxiety (r=0.412); fatigue (r=0.280); irritability (r=0.253); depressive thoughts (r=0.456); pain (r=0.204); and the changes in appetite (r=0.418). A negative correlation was found in the swelling subscale score of PMSS (r=−0.079), but there was no correlation with the changes in the sleeping habits subscale score (r=0.024). There was correlation between BDI scores and occupation, education, perception of outcome, domicile, and a history of psychiatric disorders of the women. There was correlation between PMSS scores a history of psychiatric disorders and complaint of dysmenorrhea in the women. ConclusionsIn conclusion, women who experienced premenstrual syndrome had higher depressive symptoms than women without premenstrual syndrome. Women with premenstrual syndrom should be assessed for depression by health professionals.