Prevalence and predictors of premenstrual syndrome among college-aged women in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Research on risk factors for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is lacking for the Gulf countries of the Middle East, a region with unique cultural features that might influence expectations and self-perception of the disease. We examined the association of PMS frequency with possible risk factors for the disease.

METHODS

Using a self-report questionnaire, we surveyed all eligible young women (n=464) enrolled in the medical, nursing and medical technology/respiratory therapy educational programs at a university in Dammam. Women were asked about the frequency of symptoms during the previous six months. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to determine which of several biopsychosocial and dietary factors influenced the premenstrual symptom score.

RESULTS

At least one premenstrual symptom was experienced by 448 women (96.6%), and 176 (37.5%) had a high symptom severity score. Premenstrual symptom frequency was significantly associated with a maternal history of premenstrual syndrome, self-perception of mental stress, physical activity, consumption of sweet-tasting foods, and coffee, but these factors only explained 14% of the variability in the multiple regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend that women vulnerable to mental stress take advantage of relaxation techniques and psychotropic therapies. Moreover, women with PMS might eliminate sweet-tasting food and caffeine-containing beverages, particularly coffee, from their diet.