Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Associated Factors Among Female High School Students

Background Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common psychosomatic disorder linked to menstruation in women at gestational age and can lead to absence from work and academic failure.  Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of PMS, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and associated factors among the female high school students. Methods This descriptive-analytical study was carried using randomized classification method on 368  female high school students in Shoushtar, Iran in 2016. Data were collected by a demographic form and Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS software using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Chi-squared test, binomial test, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test at a significance level of P<0.05. Findings The Mean±SD age of participants was 16.3±0.87 years. The prevalence of PMS in students was 53.5% and for PMDD it was 12.22 %. The most prevalent symptoms were mood, behavioral and physical symptoms. The frequency of PMS was higher in students with a positive family history. Conclusion The prevalence of PMS in high school female students was relatively high. Since this problem can interfere with one's personal, social and academic activities, an educational program at schools and informing students in this regard can be helpful and effective in promoting the health and young girls.