Investigation of premenstrual syndrome and contributing factors among university students

Aim: To determine the frequency of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and to investigate contributing factors for PMS among female students in a university dormitory in Ordu. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was conducted with female students at a public university dormitory in Ordu, in the East Black Sea region of Turkey. The sample contained 300 female students at the university dormitory. The study was conducted between 3 January and 12 January 2007. The research data were collected via a 22-item socio-demographic information questionnaire and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) developed by Gençdogan. Results: It was determined that the participants’ mean age was 20.56 ± 1.77. Approximately half of the girls (49.7%) had PMS. According to the PMSS subscale scores, 205 girls (68.3%) had changes in appetite, 197 (65.7%) had irritability, 196(65.3%) had swelling, 143 (47.7%) had fatigue, 185 (61.7%) had pain, 154 (51.3%) had depressive feelings, 140 (46.7%)had changes in sleeping habits, 102 (34.0%) had depressive thoughts, and 56 (18.7%) had anxiety. It was determined that PMS mean scores increased in parallel with problems that affect the mood of the girls. The contributing factors for PMS in the girls were found to be having premenstrual and menstrual pain (P = 0.036), having mothers with PMS (P = 0.045),and having irregular menstruations after coming to university (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Approximately half of the girls had PMS. It was determined that PMS was associated with premenstrual and menstrual pain, having a mother with PMS, and menstrual problems present after coming to university in Ordu.