Demographics and Its Association with Pre-menstrual Syndrome and Health Issues Experienced during Menstruation: A Cross-sectional Study of Women of Gujarat, India

Abstract

Introduction: Menstruation is a common phenomenon in every woman’s life. In their early reproductive life, a majority of young women experiences some degree of premenstrual difficulties. The objective of this research to explore the factors associated with psychological issues and physical issues faced by women, both in the days prior to menstruation and during menstruation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gujarat, India. The sample was consisting of women in the age of 14 to 49 years, who are residing in Gujarat and those who were in their menstruating span of life at the time of the survey. The data are collected using a mix of self-administered and canvassing the schedules over online, telephonic, and offline modes. Results: The results of the study reveal that a comparatively lower proportion of women experience these physical and psychological symptoms as PMS. The proportion of women experiencing these symptoms both as PMS and during menstruation are comparatively much lower. Women in the age 21 to 30 years are more affected by physical and psychological symptoms during menstruation. PMS tend to be getting milder with age. Marital status does not seem to influence psychological symptoms. Women who are never married are found to experience more of physical symptoms during menstruation. There is a direct relationship between PMS, either physical or psychological, and economic status. Lower the economic status, lesser are the PMS. Physical symptoms experienced during menstruation also show a similar pattern. The proportion of women experiencing psychological symptoms during menstruation are more in higher and lower-income groups, and less in middle-income groups. Conclusion: This study has found young women from ages 12-20, were most affected by both physical illnesses such as headache, stomach-ache, fatigue, dizziness, giddiness, sweating, nausea/vomiting/diarrhoea, and fainting and psychological problems such as anxiety, confusion, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and depression before and during menstruation.