A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE PREVALENCE, SYMPTOM PROFILE, AND PERCEIVED IMPACT OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS STUDYING IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF VADODARA CITY, GUJARAT

Author Name: Arpita Patel, Dr. (Prof.)Vijay Singh Rawat

Volume/Issue: 05/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/11.2025-76666396/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Ph.D Scholar, Venkteshwar College of Nursing, Sai Tirupati University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
2. Research Supervisor/ Principal, Venkteshwar College of Nursing, Sai Tirupati University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common health concern among adolescent girls, characterized by recurrent physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that can impair daily functioning. Understanding its prevalence, symptom profile, and perceived impact is essential for planning targeted interventions. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of PMS, describe its symptom profile, and assess its perceived impact on daily activities, academic performance, and psychosocial well being among adolescent girls in selected secondary schools of Vadodara City, Gujarat. Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted among 300 adolescent girls aged 13–18 years, selected through stratified random sampling from four secondary schools. Data were collected using a pre validated PMS Symptom Checklist and a Perceived Impact Rating Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings; chi square tests explored associations between PMS severity and selected demographic variables. Results: The prevalence of PMS was 68.3% (n = 205). The most frequently reported symptoms were abdominal cramps (82.9%), irritability (76.1%), breast tenderness (69.8%), mood swings (66.3%), and fatigue (64.4%). Emotional symptoms were reported by 71.2% of participants, physical symptoms by 85.4%, and behavioral symptoms by 58.0%. Among those with PMS, 62.4% reported moderate severity and 14.6% severe symptoms. Perceived impact included reduced concentration in class (59.5%), absenteeism from school (27.8%), withdrawal from social activities (33.2%), and strained peer/family relationships (21.0%). Severe PMS was significantly associated with higher absenteeism (p = 0.004) and lower academic performance (p = 0.012). Conclusion: PMS is highly prevalent among adolescent girls in Vadodara City, with a substantial proportion experiencing moderate to severe symptoms that negatively affect academic and social functioning. School based awareness programs and culturally sensitive interventions are warranted.

Key words: Premenstrual Syndrome, Adolescents, Symptom Profile, Perceived Impact, Vadodara, Gujarat