Assess the Premenstrual Symptoms and Coping Strategies Among Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Abstract\r\nIntroduction: Menstruation is a normal physiological process in the reproductive life of every girl and woman. It usually occurs as cyclic uterine bleeding for 3–5 days at an interval of approximately 28 days, beginning from puberty and continuing until menopause. Many girls experience certain physical, emotional and behavioural changes during the second half of the menstrual cycle. When these symptoms occur before menstruation and are severe enough to disturb daily activities, academic performance, social relationships or emotional well-being, they are commonly referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). PMS includes somatic symptoms such as breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, headache, backache and lower abdominal pain, as well as affective symptoms such as irritability, anger outbursts, mood swings, tension, confusion and social withdrawal. These symptoms usually appear a few days before menstruation and subside within 3–4 days after the onset of menstruation. The exact cause of PMS remains unclear, although hormonal changes, neurotransmitter variations, stress, lifestyle and psychosocial factors may contribute to its occurrence.\r\nObjectives: The objectives of the study were to assess premenstrual symptoms and coping strategies among adolescent girls and to correlate premenstrual symptoms with coping strategies among adolescent girls.\r\nMethodology: A quantitative descriptive correlational research design was adopted. The study was conducted among 60 adolescent girls studying at Central Polytechnic College, Taramani, Chennai. The samples were selected by using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Demographic data were obtained through self-report. Premenstrual symptoms and coping strategies were assessed using a structured rating scale. The aim and purpose of the study were explained to the participants, and confidentiality was assured. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data.\r\nResults: The study revealed that adolescent girls experienced a range of premenstrual symptoms. Common physical symptoms included headache, backache and lower abdominal pain, while common emotional symptoms included irritability, anger, mood changes and social withdrawal. Coping strategies commonly used by the girls included rest, heat application, intake of hot or cold drinks, lifestyle modification, avoiding expression of anger, engaging in study and trying to forget the discomfort. A positive correlation was found between premenstrual symptoms and coping strategies, with r = 0.61689. No significant association was found between premenstrual symptoms, coping strategies and selected demographic variables.\r\nConclusion: The study concluded that premenstrual symptoms were common among adolescent girls and that students used various coping strategies to manage the symptoms. The positive correlation between premenstrual symptoms and coping strategies indicates that girls with higher symptom experience tended to use more coping strategies. Menstrual health education, counselling and healthy lifestyle promotion are recommended to improve awareness, reduce discomfort and enhance coping ability among adolescent girls.\r\n