Premenstrual syndrome: prevalence, severit, and its association with academic performance among female students of jimma teachers training college, south west, ethiopia

Abstract

Background: It has been estimated that the frequency of premenstrual symptoms was quite high (80-99.6%), and in few women, the symptoms were so severe that might interfere their daily activities. Although it has been widely studied in many western countries, little is known about PMS in Ethiopia. Objective: This study aims to estimate the prevalence and severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its impact on educational performance and social activities among female students of Jimma Teachers Training College. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among female students of Jimma Teachers Training College between December1-15, 2010. 706 female students were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A structured and pretested self-administered questionnaire was employed for data collection. The criteria proposed by American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ACOG) were used to diagnose PMS. Data were cleared, categorized, coded and analyzed using SPSS (Version 15.0). Result: PMS was diagnosed in 596 (84.4%) of the respondents according to ACOG criteria. Only family income and duration of menstrual bleeding have significant association with PMS (p<0.05). There were no significant association for age difference, family history of PMS, and place of residence with PMS. The prevalence of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder according to DSM-IV criteria was 184 (30.9%). About 77.9% of the study participant loss concentration in class, and 64.5% of them had difficulties in doing their homework. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence and negative impact of PMS on students of Jimma Teacher Training College. Therefore, health education, appropriate medical treatment, and counseling services, as part and parcel of the overall health service, should be delivered to female students. Further studies on large sample of population with more preferably prospective approach need to be conducted to confirm these results and to plan out strategies for better detection and management of PMS in young women.