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Survey study, 2024

How does PMS affect work quality of life in nurses?

Nurses with PMS had lower work quality of life scores compared to those without PMS. Severe menstrual cramps, family history of PMS, and work stress increased the likelihood of PMS. This is a survey of 210 nurses in Jordan, so findings may differ in other countries.

Early or limited evidence 210 female nurses in Jordan

What they did

The researchers surveyed 210 female nurses in Jordan. They completed questionnaires about demographics, menstrual characteristics, PMS symptoms, and work-related quality of life. The researchers analyzed associations between various factors and PMS using statistical methods.

What they found

60.5% of nurses had PMS. Nurses with PMS had lower work quality of life scores (mean 65.47 compared to 70.54 for those without PMS). Factors strongly linked to PMS included severe menstrual cramps (odds ratio 11.78), family history of PMS (odds ratio 2.52), and use of birth control pills (odds ratio 5.18). Work stress was also linked to PMS (odds ratio 1.20).

What it means for you

PMS is common among nurses and lowers their quality of life at work. Women with a family history of PMS or severe cramps are much more likely to have PMS. Work stress may also increase PMS risk. The study was done in one country and does not prove these factors cause PMS, only that they are associated with it.

60.5%

PMS prevalence in nurses

65.47 vs 70.54

Work quality of life scores with vs without PMS

11.78

Odds ratio for severe menstrual cramps with PMS

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual Syndrome's Impact on Work-Related Quality of Life Among Jordanian Nurses
Authors
Al-Hmaid Y, Beni Yonis O, Alkhalili M et al.
Journal
Cureus
Year
2024
Study design
Survey study
Participants
210
What was tested
Observational study, no intervention tested
Open access
Yes
Original abstract

Introduction Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a regular clinical condition that affects most women during their reproductive years. Its related symptoms may be linked to a decrease in women's quality of life. Female nurses may be more susceptible to PMS due to the demanding nature of their job. The importance of nurses' jobs and how their quality of life will affect patients and themselves in parallel make female nurses a population that is worth investigating. Our objective is to estimate the level of PMS among Jordanian nurses and assess the potential impact of PMS on work-related quality of life among them. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 210 nurses who completed a questionnaire regarding demographic data, menstrual characteristics, the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), and the Work-Related Quality-of-Life Scale (WRQoL). The nurses were classified as having or not having PMS according to the PSST. Results The prevalence of PMS was 60.5%, the results showed a significantly lower mean WRQoL score for nurses with PMS (mean = 65.47, SD = 15.38) compared to nurses without PMS (mean = 70.54, SD = 14.47). The multivariable regression model revealed that the adjusted odds ratios for age, combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) use, family history, severe dysmenorrhea, job and career satisfaction, and stress at work were 0.90 (95% CI = 0.84, 0.96), 5.18 (95% CI = 1.33, 20.17), 2.52 (95% CI = 1.23, 5.18), 11.78 (95% CI = 2.48, 56.02), 0.92 (95% CI = 0.85, 0.99), and 1.20 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.42), respectively. Conclusion PMS is quite prevalent among Jordanian nurses, with a negative impact on their work-related quality of life. Healthcare managers might implement special regulations for female nurses with PMS to improve their work-related quality of life. This research suggests that PMS is a substantial factor in the low work-related quality of life among Jordanian nurses.

Reproduced under CC-BY.

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