Premenstrual syndrome: a comparative study of working women vs housewives in Karachi

ABSTRACT

To compare the frequency of premenstrual syndrome [PMS] in working women and house wives and its relationship with associated factors. A comparative cross sectional study having qualitative characteristics, was conducted in Karachi form August 2002 to August 2003. Working women in the study were from Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and-house wives from Federal B Area Karachi. Hundred women were included aged between 20-40 years belonging to two groups of 50 each. The first group comprised of working women from a hospital, ranging from highly educated doctors to janitors. The other group comprised of non-working housewives of middle and low income group. In both groups exclusions were made for those who had irregular menstrual cycle, on contraceptive pills, desiring pregnancy, were lactating or had known major psychiatric or medical disorders. Results were compiled after three consecutive menstrual cycles using questionnaire. The results indicated that PMS is significantly higher in working women than housewives [50% vs 30%]. Statistical analysis showed that it is more commonly present in the age range of 26-35 years, in single women or women with low parity and the well educated. Irritability, depression and loss of interest are most frequent complaints in working women. General malaise, abdominal cramps and dysmenorrhoea are more common in house wives. Working women show greater tendency to use analgesics. PMS was more common in working women compared to housewives. There is a need to identify women with PMS and to establish an intervention that would help to alleviate the symptoms so that their work performance remains unaltered