Prevalence of symptoms and medication use among female medical students and pharmacy clients with premenstrual syndrome: a cross‐sectional study in Iran

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAffective and somatic symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may adversely affect many school‐aged females. Different treatment modalities may be used to help alleviate PMS symptoms.AimThis study documented the prevalence and nature of PMS, as well as medication use, among female pharmacy students and pharmacy clients in Iran.MethodsA cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study was conducted among university students and pharmacy clients in Kermanshah Province, eastern Iran, from October 2017 to May 2018. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire about their PMS symptoms, use of medications, natural remedies and supplements for PMS, and the role of the pharmacist in their medication selection.ResultsAmong the 208 female students and clients who participated in the study, the overall prevalence of PMS was 73.6%. Back pain (59.1%) and mood swings (64.9%) were the most frequently reported physical and affective symptoms, respectively. More than three‐quarters of participants (76.9%) used at least one medication (either prescribed or self‐medicated) during menstruation. Self‐medication was reported by 70.2% of participants, mostly (66.3%) involving over‐the‐counter medications. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (for analgesia) were used by 49.0% of participants, whereas the oral contraceptive pill was used by only 6.4%. Traditional remedies were used by 42.8% of participants. Overall, community pharmacist involvement in PMS management was reported by only 27.9% of participants.ConclusionSelf‐medication for PMS, especially the use of analgesics, was very common among participants. The use of natural remedies was also significant, highlighting the need for studies to further evaluate the ability of such remedies to relieve PMS symptoms. Overall, community pharmacists were not substantially involved in treatment selection.