Predictors of premenstrual syndrome: outcome of a focus group discussion among late adolescent girls-A mixed method approach

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterised by the cyclic occurrence of physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms during the menstrual cycle. It is evident from the literature that PMS is a common problem in all over the globe as majority (77.5%) of women believe it has a significant impact on their lives. This study aimed to determine the incidence, intensity and factors influencing PMS among adolescent girls. A mixed method approach was adopted with descriptive design for assessing the incidence and intensity (Quantitative) and FGD for determining the factors influencing PMS (Qualitative). The sample comprised of 100 students from a private college of Nursing under (xxxx) who fulfilled the selection criteria and selected by random sampling. By using Standardized Stainer and Wilkin’s PMS diagnostic criteria tool the incidence and intensity of PMS was assessed and 10 volunteer students with criteria >10 (moderate and severe) were for FGD. The results revealed that 86% of the participants were having PMS. Twenty-four percentage reported mild symptoms, where as 54% and 8 % had moderate and severe PMS respectively. Thematic analysis revealed that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are influencing PMS. As conclusion, it is proved that PMS is found to be an important health issue influenced by lifestyle factors (The highest number of codes found in thematic analysis) among adolescent girls and surging day by day with intensity. Its an urgent need of motivating them continuously with an educational program regarding the factors of PMS and its after effects.

Keywords

• body mass index
• focus group discussion
• premenstrual syndrome