Premenstrual Syndrome among Adolescent Girls at a Secondary School in Tanahun, Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by a range of physical, cognitive, affective, and behavioral symptoms that occur cyclically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically resolving at the onset of menstruation. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of Premenstrual syndrome among adolescent girls at a school in Tanahun.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 119 adolescent girls studying in grades 8, 9, and 10 at a school in Tanahun, Nepal, from July to September 2023. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The school and classes were selected using non-probability purposive sampling, and participants were selected using proportionate stratified sampling. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were applied at a 5% level of significance.
Results
PMS was prevalent among 64.7% of participants, with 55.8% having mild and 44.2% moderate PMS. Among those affected, the most common impacts were impaired friendships (42.0%), reduced individual work performance (42.9%), reduced social activities (39.5%), and school absenteeism (31.9%). Only 4.2% reported low academic grades. A significant association was found between PMS and educational grade (p = 0.006), while no significant associations were observed with other socio-demographic or menstrual variables.
Conclusions
PMS is common among adolescent girls and affects interpersonal relationships and educational activities. Health education, counseling, and coping strategies may improve quality of life during the premenstrual period.
Keywords: Adolescent; Menstruation Disturbances; Premenstrual Syndrome; Schools; Students.