ABSTRACT
Premenstrual syndrome [PMS] refers to a cluster of physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms that occur during the Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and end with the onset of menstruation. The very high prevalence of PMS might be related to lack of proper knowledge about menstruation and associated changes among girls. This study aims at evaluating the knowledge and practice of female students regarding premenstrual syndrome. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in carrying out the study in four different general and technical governmental secondary schools for girls in Mansoura city. 600 student girls were selected through stratified random sampling, selecting, one general and one technical school from each zone. A structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, and modified version of menstrual distress questionnaire [MDQ] were used for data collection during period from 9/2005 to 3/ 2006, three days per week. Results: The results have shown that the mean age at menarche was 12.8 +/- 1.2 years, menstrual flow mean was 5.3j1.1 days, and 66.2% had regular cycles. The most prevalent premenstrual physical symptoms were backache [85.2%], and vaginal discharge [72.5%], while anxiety was the most common psychological symptom [72.2%]. Only 13% had severe PMS symptoms, and 14.8% had total satisfactory knowledge. Mothers were the main sources of information [73.8%]. The most common self- care practices to relieve PMS were bathing [75.5%], avoiding non- prescribed medications [64.5%], and taking hot drinks [535%]. The practice of physical exercise was only 16.2%. A higher percentage of students in general schools had satisfactory knowledge, compared to technical schools, 21.1% and 8.6%, respectively [p<0.001], and students with illiterate mothers had the lowest percentage of satisfactory knowledge [7.6%], compared to secondary and university education [18.9% and 18.0%, respectively], p=0.020. The highest level of satisfactory knowledge was associated with the mother as a Source of information [7.9%], p=0.015. It is concluded that female secondary school students in Mansoura suffer from mild PMS symptoms. They have a lack of knowledge about PMS, and their mothers were the main source of information. Knowledge was better in general schools girls, with educated and working mothers. It is recommended to conduct educational sessions discussing menstruation and related issues for mothers in outpatient clinics or schools. The school nurse role should be fostered