Sociodemographic Correlates of Psychological Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

Background: Premenstrual syndrome is a multifactorial psychoneurendocrine disorder. Etiology of PMS is still not demarcated & research continues in this area. Role of corelates age, parity, marital, educational & occupational status of PMS is being explored in various regions. Objective: To study sociodemographic correlates of psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in woman of reproductive age group. Material and Methods: Prospective observational study was carried on 247 females in the reproductive age group. The participants were given the list of 18 preliminary symptoms and asked to encircle the symptoms they suffer during later part of the menstrual cycle in any of the last 3 cycles. In participants reporting ≥3 symptoms, the psychological symptoms were analysed and their association was observed with various sociodemographic parameters (age, location- rural/urban, marital status, parity, education, occupation). Results: 155(62.57%) reported 3 or more symptoms during later part of the menstrual cycle in the last 3 cycles. 149(96.1%) females reported at least one psychological symptom. These women showed following demographic correlates. 74.5% of females belonged to 18-26 years age group. 75.8% were unmarried. 81% had no child. 87.2% were from urban area. 71.1% were senior secondary. 96% females had mental work occupation. Conclusion: On retrospective screening there was 62.57% prevalence but on prospective follow up with PMTS & daily diary prevalence was found to be only 4.05%. Most common psychological symptom reported was irritability & there was significant association of irritability with educational status, type of work & parity. Mood swings were significantly more in females doing mental work.