| Peer-Reviewed

Premenstrual Symptoms among Students in Health Institutions in Zaria, Northern Nigeria

Received: 13 January 2015    Accepted: 23 January 2015    Published: 2 February 2015
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

Introduction: About 90% of menstruating women get advanced warning of an approaching period because of the physical and/or psychological changes in the days before the period begins. Many women have mild symptoms and in a few it may be severe. This study intends to find the commonest symptoms among students in health institutions in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Objective: To determine the commonest premenstrual symptoms among students in health institutions in Zaria. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in some health institution in Zaria Northern Nigeria over a three month period. A total of 300 students were interviewed using semi structured open ended questionnaires. Information about premenstrual symptoms were sought. The criteria for the diagnosis of (Premenstrual Syndrome) PMS was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM IV Manual). Data was analyzed using computer software SPSS version 20. Results: Medical students constituted 42.7%, Nursing 28.6%, Medical Laboratory 27.8% and Medical Records 0.9%.Their age range was 18 to 29 years with a mean age of 20 + 3 years. The mean age of menarche was 13.7 years (SD 2.1).The prevalence of PMS was 40.7%. The major tribes (Hausa/ Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba) were more likely to have the above symptoms than both the Northern and Southern minorities. The commonest symptoms was abdominal pain/discomfort as seen in 180 (70.6%) of the respondents. Tiredness 158 (61.0%) and painful/tender breasts 149 (57.1%) were also common. Fifty seven percent (57.3%) 141 of them had severe symptoms warranting drug use while 8 (3.7%) had to be admitted in the hospital. The use of drugs for the above symptoms as well as the hospitalization rate was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Both physical and psychological premenstrual symptoms were found among these students which affected their quality of life. To what extent these symptoms affect studies and family life in our environment requires further research.

Published in Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Volume 3, Issue 1)
DOI 10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11
Page(s) 1-5
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Premenstrual Symptoms, Students, Health Institution

References
[1] Ismail KMK, O’Brien PMS. Premenstrual Syndrome, Problem based learning in Gynaecology; Current Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Harcourt Publishers Ltd U.K. 2001; 11: 251-255.
[2] Ismail KMK, O’Brien PMS. Premenstrual Syndrome. Current Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Elservier Science Publishers. 2005; 15: 25-30
[3] Antai AB, Udezi AW, Ekanem EE, Okon UJ, Umoiyoho AU. Premenstrual Syndrome: Prevalence in students of the University of Calabar, Nigeria.Afr. J. Biomed. Research. 2004; 7: 45-50.
[4] Mishell DR Jr. Premenstrual Disorders: Epidemiology and Disease Burden. Am J. Manag. Care Dec. 2005;11(16): S473-9
[5] Meaden PM, Hartlage SA, Cook-Karr J. Timing and severity of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle in community-based sample in the Midwestern United States. Pshchiatry Res. Mar. 2005; 30; 134 (1) 27-36.
[6] Daugherty J.E MD. Treatment strategies for Premenstrual Syndrome. American Family Physician. July 1998; (58):1
[7] George J. Treatment Approaches to Premenstrual Syndrome. Positive Health Publications Ltd. 1994-2002. jogeorge.chinesemedicine.fsmail.net.
[8] Gingnell M, Ahlstedt V, Bannbers E, Wikström J, Sundström-Poromaa I and FredriksonM.Social stimulation and corticolimbic reactivity in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: apreliminary study. BioMed Central Ltd. Biology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders 2014; 4:3http://www.biolmoodanxietydisord.com/content/4/1/3.
[9] Lichten ED. M.D. Medical Treatment of PMS Premenstrual Syndrome. US Doctor on the Internet. drlichten@yahoo.com Last Updated June 17, 2005.
[10] McHichialami KH, Tahiri SM, Moussaoui D, et al. Assessment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms: population of women in Casablanca (English abstract only).Encephale 2002; 28 (6): 252-30.
[11] Cronje HS, Krintzinger IE. Menstruation: symptoms, management and attitudes in university students.Int J Gynecol Obstet. 1991; 35 (2):147-50.
[12] Khella AK. Epidemiologic study of premenstrual symptoms.J Egypt Public Health Assoc.1992; 67 (1-2): 109-18.
[13] Cenac A, Maikibi DK, Develoux M.Premenstrual syndrome in Sahelian Africa. A comparative study of 400 literate and illiterate women in Niger.Trans R Soc Trop Med Hygiene. 1987; 81 (4): 544-7.
[14] Sakai H, Ohashi K. Association of menstrual phase with smoking behavior, mood and menstrual phase-associated symptoms among young Japanese women smokers.BMCWomens Health. 2013; 13: 10. Published online Mar 2, 2013. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-13-10
[15] Freeman EW. Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysmorphic disorder: definitions and diagnosis. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2003; 28 (3): 25-37.
[16] Pinna G, Costa EandGuidotti A. Fluoxetine and norfluoextinesterospecifically and selectively increase brain neurosteroid content at doses that are inactive on 5-HT reuptake. Psychopharmaclogy (Berl). Jan 24, 2006; 1-11.
[17] Campbell S, Monga A. PMS; Disorders of the menstrual cycle In: Gynaecology by ten teachers. Campbell S, Monga A, (Eds).AstraZeneca PLC. Arnold. 2000;Chapter 5. 61-63.
[18] Tabassum S, Afridi B, Aman Z, Tabassu W, Durrani R. Premenstrual Syndrome Frequency and severity in young college girls. J. Pak. Med Assoc Dec 2005; 55 (12) 546-9.
[19] Silberstein T. PMS; Complications of menstruation, abnormal uterine bleeding In: Current obstetric and gynaecologic diagnosis and treatment. De Cherney A.H., Nathan L. (Eds). Lange Medical books/ McGraw Hill. Medical Publishing Division. 2003; Chapter32: 623-627.
[20] Fakeye O, Olatinwo A. Dysmenorrhoea and PMS In: Comprehensive Gynaecology in the tropics. Kwawukume E.Y and Emuveyan E.E. (Eds). Graphic packaging limited Accra. 2005; Chapter 18: 168-172.
[21] Tolossa FW, Bekele ML. Prevalence, impacts and medical managements of premenstrual syndrome among female students: cross-sectional study in college of health sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia. BMC Womens Health. 2014; 14: 52.Published online Mar 29, 2014. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-14-52.
[22] Masho SW, Adera T, South- Paul J. Obesity as a risk factor for Premenstrual Syndrome. J. PsychosomObstetGynaecol Mar 2005; 26 (1): 33-9.
[23] Freeman EW, Samuel SD, Rinado PJ, Sheng L. Premenstrual Syndrome as a predictor of menopausal symptoms. Obstetrics &Gynaecology. 2004; 103: 960- 966.
[24] Weissman AM. MD. Gynaecology: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). University of Iowa Faily Practice Handbook, Fourth Edition. 2005: Chapter 13. Virtual Hospital.
[25] Silva CM, GiganteDP, Carret ML, Fassa AG. Population study of Premenstrual Syndrome. Rev. SaudePublica Feb. 2006; 40 (1): 47-56 (Article in Portuguese).
[26] Bernstein MT, Graff LA, Avery L, Palatnick C, Parnerowski K and Targownik LE. Gastrointestinal symptoms before and during menses in healthy women. BMC Womens Health. 2014; 14: 14. Published online Jan 22, 2014. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-14-14.
[27] Famuyiwa OO. Psychiatric aspects of gynaecological practice In Textbook of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for medical students. Agboola A. (Ed).Second edition. 2006; Chapter 29: 244-248.
[28] Halbreich U. The etiology, biology, and evolving pathology of premenstrual syndromes.Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2003; 28 (3): 55-99.
[29] Magowan B. Menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea.In: Magowan B. Churchill’s Pocketbook of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. 1997; 179-81.
[30] Kouri EM, Halbreich U. Hormonal treatments for premenstrual syndrome.Drugs Today. 1998; 34 (7): 603-10.
[31] Read JR, Perz J, Ussher JM. Ways of coping with premenstrual change: development and validation of a premenstrual coping measure. BMC Womens Health. 2014; 14: 1. Published online Jan 3, 2014. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-14-1.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Hajaratu U. Sulayman, Nana H. Madugu, Abimbola O. D. Kolawole, Polite Onwuhafua. (2015). Premenstrual Symptoms among Students in Health Institutions in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 3(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Hajaratu U. Sulayman; Nana H. Madugu; Abimbola O. D. Kolawole; Polite Onwuhafua. Premenstrual Symptoms among Students in Health Institutions in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. J. Gynecol. Obstet. 2015, 3(1), 1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Hajaratu U. Sulayman, Nana H. Madugu, Abimbola O. D. Kolawole, Polite Onwuhafua. Premenstrual Symptoms among Students in Health Institutions in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. J Gynecol Obstet. 2015;3(1):1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11,
      author = {Hajaratu U. Sulayman and Nana H. Madugu and Abimbola O. D. Kolawole and Polite Onwuhafua},
      title = {Premenstrual Symptoms among Students in Health Institutions in Zaria, Northern Nigeria},
      journal = {Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics},
      volume = {3},
      number = {1},
      pages = {1-5},
      doi = {10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jgo.20150301.11},
      abstract = {Introduction: About 90% of menstruating women get advanced warning of an approaching period because of the physical and/or psychological changes in the days before the period begins. Many women have mild symptoms and in a few it may be severe. This study intends to find the commonest symptoms among students in health institutions in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Objective: To determine the commonest premenstrual symptoms among students in health institutions in Zaria. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in some health institution in Zaria Northern Nigeria over a three month period. A total of 300 students were interviewed using semi structured open ended questionnaires. Information about premenstrual symptoms were sought. The criteria for the diagnosis of (Premenstrual Syndrome) PMS was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM IV Manual). Data was analyzed using computer software SPSS version 20. Results: Medical students constituted 42.7%, Nursing 28.6%, Medical Laboratory 27.8% and Medical Records 0.9%.Their age range was 18 to 29 years with a mean age of 20 + 3 years. The mean age of menarche was 13.7 years (SD 2.1).The prevalence of PMS was 40.7%. The major tribes (Hausa/ Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba) were more likely to have the above symptoms than both the Northern and Southern minorities. The commonest symptoms was abdominal pain/discomfort as seen in 180 (70.6%) of the respondents. Tiredness 158 (61.0%) and painful/tender breasts 149 (57.1%) were also common. Fifty seven percent (57.3%) 141 of them had severe symptoms warranting drug use while 8 (3.7%) had to be admitted in the hospital. The use of drugs for the above symptoms as well as the hospitalization rate was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Both physical and psychological premenstrual symptoms were found among these students which affected their quality of life. To what extent these symptoms affect studies and family life in our environment requires further research.},
     year = {2015}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Premenstrual Symptoms among Students in Health Institutions in Zaria, Northern Nigeria
    AU  - Hajaratu U. Sulayman
    AU  - Nana H. Madugu
    AU  - Abimbola O. D. Kolawole
    AU  - Polite Onwuhafua
    Y1  - 2015/02/02
    PY  - 2015
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11
    DO  - 10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11
    T2  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
    JF  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
    JO  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
    SP  - 1
    EP  - 5
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2376-7820
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20150301.11
    AB  - Introduction: About 90% of menstruating women get advanced warning of an approaching period because of the physical and/or psychological changes in the days before the period begins. Many women have mild symptoms and in a few it may be severe. This study intends to find the commonest symptoms among students in health institutions in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Objective: To determine the commonest premenstrual symptoms among students in health institutions in Zaria. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in some health institution in Zaria Northern Nigeria over a three month period. A total of 300 students were interviewed using semi structured open ended questionnaires. Information about premenstrual symptoms were sought. The criteria for the diagnosis of (Premenstrual Syndrome) PMS was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM IV Manual). Data was analyzed using computer software SPSS version 20. Results: Medical students constituted 42.7%, Nursing 28.6%, Medical Laboratory 27.8% and Medical Records 0.9%.Their age range was 18 to 29 years with a mean age of 20 + 3 years. The mean age of menarche was 13.7 years (SD 2.1).The prevalence of PMS was 40.7%. The major tribes (Hausa/ Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba) were more likely to have the above symptoms than both the Northern and Southern minorities. The commonest symptoms was abdominal pain/discomfort as seen in 180 (70.6%) of the respondents. Tiredness 158 (61.0%) and painful/tender breasts 149 (57.1%) were also common. Fifty seven percent (57.3%) 141 of them had severe symptoms warranting drug use while 8 (3.7%) had to be admitted in the hospital. The use of drugs for the above symptoms as well as the hospitalization rate was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Both physical and psychological premenstrual symptoms were found among these students which affected their quality of life. To what extent these symptoms affect studies and family life in our environment requires further research.
    VL  - 3
    IS  - 1
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria. West Africa

  • Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria. West Africa

  • Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria. West Africa

  • Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria. West Africa

  • Sections