Prevalence and Factors Affecting Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in Alganaen Village, Suez Governorate

Background: Premenstrual syndrome, a common cyclic disorder of young and middle-aged women, is characterized by emotional and physical symptoms that consistently occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Aim of the Study: To determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and factors affecting it among females in childbearing period in Alganaen village. Methods: The present study is a cross sectional descriptive study that was conducted from September, 2005 to September, 2006. On 224 female in child bearing period. A questionnaire was designed to inquire about (personal data, premenstrual syndrome symptoms and factors affecting it). Results: It was found that 80.8%of females have premenstrual syndrome. There is significant relation between stress, use of hormonal contraceptive pills drinking tea or coffee excessively and premenstrual syndrome, while age is a negative correlate with severity of premenstrual syndrome, as PMS is more severe in younger age as 63.6% of females who have severe symptoms are between 15-25 years old, 22.7% between 25-35 years old while 13.6% between 35-45 years old. There is significant negative relation between exercises and severity of PMS but no significant relation between sugary diet and PMS. Conclusion: The problem of premenstrual syndrome is prevalent among females in childbearing period in Alganaen village 80.8% and measures to reduce this problem are important and beneficial.