Síndrome pré-menstrual em adolescentes: prevalência, sintomas e impacto nas atividades da vida cotidiana

Premenstrual syndrome in adolescents: prevalence, symptoms and effects on daily life

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and symptomatology of premenstrual syndrome and its interference in perceptions
of school performance and daily living activities among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 268 adolescents
aged 12-19 years completing a structured questionnaire with demographic data and information on premenstrual syndrome was used. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program, together with descriptive
analysis, calculation of the confi dence interval (95% CI) and Chi-square test with a signifi cance level of p<0.05. Results:
This analysis encompassed 157 adolescents with a mean age of 14.12 ± 1.53 years. Their pre-menstrual symptoms had a
median of 14, ranging 1 to 25, being the median of somatic 7 (1-15), emotional 6 (0-7) and behavioral 2 (0-3) with 70.1%
of them classifi ed as having pre-menstrual syndrome. For most of them, the intensity of most symptoms was moderate, with
few effects on school attendance and interpersonal relationships. Although there was an association between premenstrual
syndrome and two variables – argues more with the teacher (p=0.047) and fi ghts more with boyfriends/friends (p=0.008) – no links were noted with school variables. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among
adolescents, with symptoms that are mainly physical and emotional. Even at mild levels, this interfered in interpersonal
relationships and daily activities. Despite its effects on interpersonal relationships, premenstrual syndrome did not affect
school performance.