Survey study, 2018
Do women who attempt suicide experience more menstruation-related problems?
More than half of women who attempted suicide reported premenstrual distress symptoms for two menstrual cycles. The study cannot prove menstrual problems caused suicide attempts, but suggests a possible connection.
What they did
A cross-sectional study of 70 women aged 15-49 who attempted suicide and came to an emergency department. Researchers collected data using a questionnaire and the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire.
What they found
65.7% of participants were aged 15-25. More than half reported premenstrual distress complaints for two cycles. The last menstrual period had the highest average score on the distress questionnaire (33.57±32.95). Pain was the highest-scoring sub-dimension while autonomic reaction was the lowest.
What it means for you
Many young women who attempt suicide experience significant menstrual distress. Health professionals should assess young women for menstrual changes and teach coping strategies. The main limits are small sample size, no comparison group, and only included one hospital.
70
Number of women who attempted suicide
65.7%
Percentage aged 15-25
33.57±32.95
Average Menstrual Distress Questionnaire score for last menstrual period
About the study
- Original title
- IDENTIFY MENSTRUATION RELATED PROBLEMS AND SUICIDE
- Authors
- Sultan Alan, Emine Bakır, Iskenderun Ozel Gelisim Hastanesi et al.
- Journal
- LIFE International Journal of Health and Life-Sciences
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 70
- What was tested
- None - observational study
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.20319/lijhls.2018.33.168178
Topics
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