Factors related to premenstrual syndrome in nursing students

Abstract

The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of one or more symptoms that appear during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and disappear after the onset of menstruation. It involves physical and psychological symptoms and is quite present among women. A descriptive study has been developed that aims to identify the PMS symptoms present among nursing students and the factors associated with it. 226 students completed a structured questionnaire in April 2008. The result indicated the occurrence of PMS in 93% of the students and factors such a sedentary lifestyle and a salty diet may aggravate some symptoms. The prevailing symptoms were irritability (69%), followed by breast tenderness (63.7%), headache (43.8%) and fatigue (38.1%). It has been observed that some women do not differentiate the PMS symptoms as 26% of them reported having the syndrome, but that its symptoms did not disappear with the onset of menses. We conclude that while PMS is common among today's women, the lack of information still exists so actions that help to spread more information on the theme are needed especially in the case of future health professionals.