Premenstrual Syndrome in Thai Nurses

Objective. To investigate prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its associated factors among Thai nurses.

Methods. The study was conducted in 423 nurses in a university hospital during October 2005 to March 2006. Prevalence of PMS was determined using a validated Thai version of Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). Factors associated with PMS were analyzed using Student t-test and Chi-square test.

Results. The prevalence of PMS in Thai nurses was 25.1%. Nurses with younger age, nulligravida, lower income, more coffee consumption, dysmenorrhea, and negative attitude toward menstruation had higher prevalence of PMS. After multiple logistic regression analysis, the significant factors associated with PMS were coffee consumption >1 cups/day and negative attitude toward menstruation; odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 2.322 (1.257 to 4.288) and 5.768 (2.096 to 15.872), respectively.

Conclusion. According to the Thai PSST, 25.1% of Thai nurses are suffering from PMS. The significant associated factors were more coffee consumption and negative attitude toward menstruation.