Does PMS affect quality of life in female university students?

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a set of distressing symptoms experienced before the time of menstrual flow. Hormonal changes may underlie these symptoms which can lead to difficulties in day-to-day functioning and poor quality of life. Female undergraduates constitute a group of people that are significantly affected by premenstrual syndrome. Epidemiological data around the world have reported a high incidence of premenstrual syndrome among female undergraduate students. Method: Four hundred and forty consenting female participants who were undergraduate at Redeemer’s University participated in this cross-sectional study. The prevalence, quality of life and the association between premenstrual syndrome and quality of life was determined using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage was used to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and the quality of life of the participants and Pearson Correlation coefficients was used. Alpha level was set as p< 0.05. Results: The study found that the majority of participants (63.8%) were in the 16-19 age group. The average age, height, weight, and BMI of the participants were 19.02±1.69 years, 1.63±0.08 meters, 62.78±12.60 Kg, and 23.57±4.87 Kg/m2 respectively. Almost all participants (99.5%) were single. Conclusion: Therefore, prevention of premenstrual syndrome is important for improving quality of life and managing PMS symptoms can contribute to improving quality of life in the context of the environment.

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