The Prevalence and Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Itsʹ Associated Signs and Symptoms among College Students

premenstrual syndrome is one of the most common disorders in women at reproductive age. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and severity of this syndrome and itsʹ associated signs and symptoms. Material & method: Five hundred undergraduate students at Iran University of Medical Sciences, Department of Nursing-Midwifery and Management-Information schools were included in the study. They were asked to complete the premenstrual daily symptom diary for two months. Premenstrual syndrome was confirmed according to American Psychiatric Association criteria and its severity was calculated for each sign. Results: out of 500 students 255 (about 50%) completed and returned the premenstrual daily symptom diary forms .Out of the 255 students 200 (78.43%) were suffering FROM some degree of PMS (62% mild, 36% moderate, and 2% severe). Mood symptoms in 24% and the behavioral symptoms in 3% of them considered to be severe. None suffered from severe physical symptoms. There were significant positive relationship between behavioral symptoms and physical and mood symptoms (r=0.55, r=0.398, respectively, and p=0.01) and also between physical symptoms and mood symptoms (r=0.305, p=0.01). Conclusion: PMS can be considered as a common disorder of reproductive age. Therefore, health professionals should notice mood and behavioral as well as physical symptoms and signs of PMS and provide them with an appropriate consultation or medical intervention if necessary. However additional studies in this field are warranted