THE PREVALENCE OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AMONG MIDWIFERY STUDENTS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LIFESTYLE

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its relationship with lifestyle among undergraduate midwifery students at Aydin Adnan Menderes University. 288 undergraduate female midwifery students were recruited for the study. While data on the anthropometric, socio-demographic, menstrual and lifestyle characteristics of the participants were collected by using data collection form, the premenstrual syndrome scale was utilised to determine the presence/absence of PMS in each participant. Student’s T test, Mann Whitney U test, Pearson’s Chi-square test, Chi-square test, Fisher's Exact test and multiple logistic regression analysis via Backward LR procedure were employed in comparing the groups with and without PMS and determining the best predicting factors for PMS. The prevalence of PMS among the participants was 51.3%. Additionally, whereas; fast-food consumption, taking vitamin /mineral supplements, poor income and expense balance, generally feeling stressed, irregular sleep and feeling pain during menstruation had a statistically significant positive relationship with PMS, consumption of white meat was found to be negatively related with PMS. A significant proportion of the study’s population suffered from PMS. Therefore, more attention from healthcare providers on the subject, the incorporation of PMS-related topics into educational curricula, social support and lifestyle modifications are recommended.