#5 : Associated Factors with Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Among Female Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aims: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are two premenstrual disorders that have been reported in many countries and have gradually become predominant concerns The study aimed to determine potential risk factors associated with PMS and PMDD Method: Three hundred two female student participants who were 18 – 45 years old completed a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and a Vietnamese Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool (PSST). We then followed up participants during at least two menstrual cycles using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP). The PMS and PMDD diagnosis were established using The Carolina Premenstrual Assessment Scoring System (C-PASS), based on the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Results: According to the C-PASS, 35 out of 302 students (11.6%; 95%CI: 8.2-15.7%) met the diagnosis of PMS (31 students) or PMDD (4 students). We found that age at menarche (PR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.63 - 0.96), having negative Rh blood type (PR=4.43, 95%CI: 1.95 to 10.08), being moderately depressed or higher (PR=2.81, 95%CI: 1.24 to 6.36), and consuming caffeine more than three times per week were statistically associated with having PMS/PMDD after adjusting for other variables. Conclusion: The prominent risk factors for PMS and PMDD were negative Rhesus blood type, menarche age, caffeine consumption, and self-reported depression.