The prevalence, Risk Factors and Lifestyle Patterns of Jordanian Females With Premenstrual Syndrome: a cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: The study aims to assess factors associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the frequency of using painkillers to relieve premenstrual pain. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 1580 premenopausal women. An online self-administered questionnaire consists of sociodemographics, and the diagnostic criteria using the Arabic Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (A-PMS). Results: The prevalence of PMS among Jordanian females was 94%. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between several factors, including BMI, family history of PMS, smoking, and herbal tea consumption and the psychological, physical and behavioral symptoms of PMS. Furthermore, analgesic use for pain relief and food cravings were significantly associated with psychological, physical and behavioral PMS symptoms. Conclusion: PMS is highly prevalent and affects women in different life aspects.

Plain Language Summary

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of symptoms that affect women for a week or two before their period. PMS influences women's emotions, physical health and behavior. Symptoms usually resolve within a few days of menstruation. This study confirms the epidemiological surveys worldwide that reported 80–90% of females experience PMS symptoms. We reported multiple risk factors for PMS including age, weight, family history of PMS, marital status, smoking, herbal tea consumption, fast food consumption and other dietary habits. Furthermore, analgesic use for pain relief and food cravings were significantly associated with psychological, physical and behavioral PMS.

Keywords:

• A-PMS scale
• behavior
• diet
• emotional
• herbal
• lifestyle
• physical
• premenstrual syndrome
• psychological
• risk factors

Author contributions

MA Ababneh, M Alkhalil and A Rababa'h conceived and designed the study. MA Ababneh and M Alkhalil completed the data collection. MA Ababneh, M Alkhalil and A Rababa'h conducted data analysis and data interpretation. All authors had a role in writing and preparing the final version of the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Board (IRB) committee at King Abdullah University Hospital (IRB no. 573/2021). In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.