Can researchers develop a reliable tool to screen for PMS in the workplace?

Abstract Objective We aimed to develop a new screening tool for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to be used in the workplace. Methods In October 2021, we recruited 3,239 working women with menstruation via an internet research company and asked 47 questions about PMS-related symptoms. Results Of the participants, 331 women had experienced PMS (10%), and 393 women had taken sick leave because of PMS-associated symptoms (12%). Explanatory factor analyses with maximum likelihood and Promax rotation identified four domains with 27 items, including "Autonomic dysfunction symptoms'' (Cronbach’s α = 0.93), "Psychiatric symptoms" (Cronbach’s α = 0.94), "Lack of work efficiency" (Cronbach’s α = 0.93), and “Abdominal symptoms” (Cronbach’s α = 0.95). Using a split-half sample for the confirmatory factor analysis, moderately fit model indices for the four-factor solution were confirmed. We also confirmed the developed scale’s criterion validity using existing PMS screening criteria and its concurrent validity through high correlation coefficients with Copenhagen Burnout Inventory scores. The receiver operating characteristic curve yielded a good predictive ability for work absenteeism, including a sensitivity of 78%, a specificity of 57%, and an area under the curve of 0.735. Conclusion A highly reliable and valid new scale for PMS was developed with efficacy for screening for work absenteeism.

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