Prevalence and Commonly Employed Premenstrual Syndrome Management Strategies Among Female Students at a Private University in Kenya

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common occurrence experienced by most women before and during their menstrual period. It is estimated that 58.1% of university going students in Turkey experience PMS while 53.87% female students in Ethiopia experience PMS. The condition is widely spread affecting 95.5% of female nurses in Nairobi, Kenya. Different management interventions have been used to manage PMS symptoms including use of painkillers and massage but; information on how University students manage the symptoms is either limited or completely lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and commonly employed management strategies among female students enrolled at Kabarak University in Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 356 female students at Kabarak University from December 2022 to February 2023. Subjects were recruited using simple random sampling technique. Standardized close-ended questionnaires were used to collect data on prevalence and commonly used medical interventions. A total of 316 valid responses were obtained representing an 88.76% response rate. Majority of study subjects were between the ages of 18-23, single, and in their first year of education. Prevalence of PMS among the participants was found to be high, with 86.7% reporting experiencing PMS symptoms. The most common duration of menstrual cycles reported was 4-6 days. The majority of participants (63.9%) used some form of treatment to manage PMS symptoms, with medication being the most commonly employed approach (51.3%). Non-pharmacological interventions such as sleeping and warm/cold showers were also frequently utilized. In conclusion, PMS prevalence was high at the university highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for female students.  Additionally, tailored interventions that address the diverse needs and preferences of the students are crucial for effectively managing their PMS symptoms.