Premenstrual syndrome and associated psychosocial variables among Chinese young adults in Hong Kong

Abstract

The physiological changes associated with menstrual cycle bring about severe symptoms and pain as well as emotional changes such as anxiety, depression and stress. In Western countries, around 50% to 60% menstruating women were affected by Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Few studies were conducted among Hong Kong Chinese and extremely differences were reported with 19% among secondary school students and 92% among adults. This study is a cross-sectional study to examine the relationship and predictive value of psychosocial factors on PMS. Well-established and validated scales were used, they included the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire for PMS; the General Health Questionnaire for anxiety and depression; the Perceived Stress Scale for global stress level; the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale for self-esteem; the State Hope Scale for hope; Coping Strategy Indicator for coping; and Short-Form 36 for quality of life. Out of 340 female nursing students with regular menses invited, 276 returned the completed questionnaire (81%). Those who were pregnant, or had pelvic inflammatory disease or gynecological neoplasm were excluded. Five constructs measured by PMS included menstrual pain, premenstrual symptoms of negative affect, water retention, pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. Stress and depression were significantly correlated with PMS. None of the five constructs correlated significantly with self-esteem and quality of life. All five constructs except premenstrual pain correlated significantly with stress and depression. Menstrual pain, premenstrual negative affect and premenstrual gastrointestinal symptoms negatively correlated with hope while premenstrual water retention negatively correlated with cope. Multiple regression showed stress and depression were major predictors on PMS while stress and hope for menstrual pain. Managing stress would be important to lessen the debilitating impact of PMS and menstrual pain, particularly among university students who face lots of challenges during the years of study and in preparation for graduation.