Prevalence and predictors of premenstrual syndrome among college-aged women in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Research on risk factors for premenstrual syndrome [PMS] is lacking for the Gulf countries of the Middle East, a region with unique cultural features that might influence expectations and self-perception of the disease. We examined the association of PMS frequency with possible risk factors for the disease. Using a self-report questionnaire, we surveyed all eligible young women [n=464] enrolled in the medical, nursing and medical technology/respiratory therapy educational programs at a university in Dammam. Women were asked about the frequency of symptoms during the previous six months. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to determine which of several biopsychosocial and dietary factors influenced the premenstrual symptom score. At least one premenstrual symptom was experienced by 448 women [96.6%], and 176 [37.5%] had a high symptom severity score. Premenstrual symptom frequency was significantly associated with a maternal history of premenstrual syndrome, selfperception of mental stress, physical activity, consumption of sweet-tasting foods, and coffee, but these factors only explained 14% of the variability in the multiple regression model. Conclusions: We recommend that women vulnerable to mental stress take advantage of relaxation techniques and psychotropic therapies. Moreover, women with PMS might eliminate sweet-tasting food and caffeine-containing beverages, particularly coffee, from their diet