How much do high school girls know about PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent cyclic symptom complex affecting emotional, behavioural and physical domains in females of reproductive age. Adolescent girls commonly experience PMS but awareness regarding its features remains inadequately explored, especially at school level. Aim: To assess the level of knowledge regarding Premenstrual Syndrome among late adolescents studying in a selected high school at Nammakal and to determine its association with selected demographic variables. Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design was employed. A sample of 40 late adolescents was selected through purposive sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables and 30 PMS-related items was administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, SD) and Chi-square test to assess associations. Results: Majority of participants (75%) had poor knowledge (score 1–10), 25% had average knowledge (11–20) and none demonstrated good knowledge (21–30). The mean knowledge score was 8.70 ± 2.40. A significant association was observed between knowledge level and area of residence (p 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate inadequate baseline knowledge regarding Premenstrual Syndrome among late adolescents. Strengthening school-based menstrual health education, especially targeted towards rural adolescents, is essential to improve PMS awareness, recognition and self-care practices.

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