Abstract / Summary
Introduction: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is the presence of recurrent symptoms during the premenstrual phase or the first few days of menses, and complete absence of these symptoms in the post menstrual phase. PMS is common, affecting many women of reproductive age group, manifesting in a variety of physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms which may impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of PMS among female Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students and interns, to determine the factors influencing PMS and the coping mechanisms used for relieving the symptoms. Materials and Methods: The present observational cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of three months (April 2024- June 2024), including 418 female medical students and female interns of Index Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, using a semistructured, self-administered questionnaire; after obtaining ethical clearance. All female MBBS students and interns present on the day of data collection and provided informed consent were included. Data entered into MS excel and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). 25.0. Chi-square assessed associations between PMS and independent variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Prevalence of PMS was found to be 354 (84.69%). PMS was statistically significantly associated with factors like year of study (p-value=0.039), socioeconomic status (p-value=0.030), Body Mass Index (BMI) (p-value≤0.001), physical activity (p-value=0.0013), sleep pattern (p-value=0.008), regularity of menses (p-value=0.017), number of days of menstruation (p-value=0.034) and dysmenorrhoea (p-value=0.01). Taking rest/sleeping was found to be the most common coping mechanism used by the participants (90.78%), followed by listening to music (61.65%) and hot fomentation/ hot shower (49.51%). Conclusion: High prevalence of PMS amongst young girls is a matter of concern, impacting their daily activities and overall quality of life. Certain coping mechanisms like taking adequate rest, listening music and taking hot shower have been found to relieve the symptoms. Also meditation and Yoga can be promoted for relief of PMS symptoms and calmness of mind and body. Severe cases might be advised to seek medical treatments like HRT.