Premenstrual syndrome in young girls

ABSTRACT

To find out the proportion of young girls having premenstrual syndrome in Multan city and the relationship of age with the occurrence of the symptoms. Descriptive study. Intermediate and Degree classes of the Government Degree College for Women, Multan, Six months from 25th August 2004 to 28th February 2005. 1500 young girls [college students] were selected by using non probability convenience sampling, after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The questionnaire was discussed with the students. Students were counselled and their consent was taken. The questionnaire was filled by the students and collected on the spot. 60% of the recruited girls were suffering from premenstrual syndrome with peak age distribution in late teens among the group of 16-22 years. Amongst the cluster of symptoms extreme fatigue, irritability, tension, and depressed mood were the behavioral symptoms, and abdominal bloating, headache, and breast tenderness were the somatic symptoms. Daily activities of 47% of the girls were affected due to symptom severity. 77% never sought medical advice for the symptoms. With the increasing level of mothers' education the occurrence of the disease in daughters decreased. Amongst the girls with the disease 73% had indoor activities. 60% of the young girls in Multan city had premenstrual syndrome with peak age distribution 17-19 years