Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its effect on quality of work life in working women in South India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by physical and affective symptoms that start during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and improve on the onset of the menstrual cycle. The estimated prevalence in India of PMS is found to be 43%, but most studies have been done on adolescent and college-going females. There is a dearth of studies in India done on PMS in working women. Aims: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome in working women and determine its association with the quality of their work life. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Kochi and five different groups of professional women were included in the sample population. A total of 600 participants were analyzed for sociodemographic data, premenstrual syndrome using the premenstrual symptoms screening tool and quality of their work life using the work-related quality of life scale. Chi-square test was applied to find the association of categorical demographic parameters with premenstrual syndrome and with quality of work life in women satisfying the criteria for PMS. Results: A total of 48% of the participants screened positive for PMS and 35% of working women with PMS had lower quality of work life (P < 0.001). Highest educational qualification, occupation, and sexual activity were significantly associated with PMS and with quality of work life in women with PMS. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of PMS in working women, which significantly affects their quality of work life. There is a need for further research in this area that can propel improvement in policies in the workplace to boost productivity and growth.