Survey study, 2012
Is there a link between attitudes toward menstruation and PMS symptoms?
Women with PMS symptoms were more likely to see menstruation as debilitating. This shows correlation but does not prove that attitudes cause worse symptoms.
What they did
A cross-sectional survey conducted in Ankara Turkey from February 15 to March 10, 2009, with 250 nursing student volunteers. Students completed questionnaires about attitudes toward menstruation and PMS symptoms.
What they found
36.4% of students had PMS symptoms. Students with PMS scored significantly higher on the debilitation subscale and significantly lower on the denial subscale of the menstrual attitudes questionnaire. 31% reported dysmenorrhea during every menstrual cycle.
What it means for you
Women with PMS tend to view menstruation as more debilitating. However, we cannot tell whether negative attitudes cause or result from PMS symptoms. The study was small, limited to nursing students in one city, and may not represent all women.
250
nursing students
36.4%
with PMS symptoms
31%
with dysmenorrhea every cycle
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndrome and attitudes toward menstruation in a sample of nursing students
- Authors
- Guvenc G, Kilic A, Akyuz A et al.
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 250
- What was tested
- None (observational study)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/0167482x.2012.685906
Topics
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