Prevalence and correlates of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder among women aged 18-25 in Turkey

Abstract

Objective Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are experienced in the luteal phase among women of reproductive age and affect the quality of life. This study sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of PMS and PMDD in women aged 18-25.Method A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and May 2023, which recruited 1125 female college students. A personal information form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) were administered. Participants who met the criteria for PMS during three consecutive menstrual cycles based on the ACOG and PMSS scores were diagnosed as having PMS. Participants who met the criteria for PMDD during three consecutive menstrual cycles based on the DSM-V were diagnosed as having PMDD. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent correlates of PMS and PMDD.Findings PMS was found in 49.2% and PMDD in 48.0% of the participants. Women having a B blood group compared to those with A blood group were more likely to have PMS (OR = 151.80, 95% = 54.50-422.57). In addition, women with PMS were less likely to be physically active based on the metabolic equivalent of task score (OR = 0.99,95% = 0.98-0.99). Menstrual cycle duration was also longer among those with PMDD (OR = 1.47, 95% = 1.25-1.72), as was daily caffeine intake (OR = 1.01,95% = 1.00-1.01). PMSS score was also found to be associated with MDD (OR = 1.06,95% = 1.05-1.07).Conclusions PMS and PMDD are associated with blood groups, MET scores, and other clinical characteristics that may help clinicians to identify these conditions among young women in Turkey.