Non-randomised trial, 2023

Does a school health education program reduce PMS symptoms?

A 4-week health education program significantly reduced moderate and severe PMS and PMDD symptoms in high school girls compared to a control group, though the study was limited to one school.

Moderate study design 120 high school girls in Ilam, 2017-2018

What they did

120 high school girls in Ilam (61 in intervention group, 59 in control) were enrolled from 2017 to 2018. The intervention group received 4 sessions of 30 minute health education delivered over 4 consecutive weeks. Both groups were assessed using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool before and after.

What they found

At follow-up, there was a significant difference in the proportion of girls with moderate or severe PMS and PMDD between the intervention and control groups (P less than 0.001). At baseline, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

What it means for you

A brief school-based education program can significantly reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms in high school girls. The study was reasonably sized with a control group for comparison. However, girls were selected through convenience sampling which may introduce bias. The study only lasted a few weeks so we do not know if benefits persist longer than that.

120

high school girls

education sessions

minutes per session

About the study

Original title: Effectiveness of a school-based health education program to improve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in high school girls in Ilam
Authors: Daneshvar S, Ahmadi F, Naghizadeh MM et al.
Journal: Journal of education and health promotion
Year: 2023
Study design: Non-randomised trial
Participants: 120
What was tested: Four sessions of 30 minute health education over 4 consecutive weeks
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_382_22

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Low mood and depression Psychotherapy, counselling and education Students and academic performance Adolescents and young people

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