Effect of internet-based counselling with a cognitive-behavioural approach on premenstrual syndrome.

Sanam Borji-Navan, Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, Khalil Esmaeilpour, Mojgan Mirghafourvand

Journal: BMC research notes 2022;15(1):324

PMID: 36224664

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Plain Language Summary

About 20% of women of reproductive age suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The syndrome leads to various consequences, including physical, psychological, behavioural, and social complications. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of internet-based counselling with a cognitive-behavioural approach on symptom severity of women with PMS and their quality of life during the perimenstrual and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. This study is based on data that was gathered for a randomised controlled trial with two-parallel arms carried out on 92 female university students aged 18–35 years. Authors conclude that the results cannot be generalised to all women suffering from PMS since the study recruited only medical students. Furthermore, the long-term effectiveness of the intervention is unknown because the participants were only followed for two menstrual cycles after the end of the intervention.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of internet-based counselling with a cognitive-behavioural approach on symptom severity of women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and their quality of life during the perimenstrual and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, the PMS-related disability and attitude toward menstruation were investigated as secondary outcomes.

DATA DESCRIPTION

We provide data generated in a randomized controlled trial with two-parallel arms carried out on 92 female university students aged 18-35 years who had moderate to severe PMS, residing at halls of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. PMS severity was assessed during two menstrual cycles before intervention (baseline) and during two cycles just after ending the two-month intervention using Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) and the quality of life using the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) on days 1-2 and 11-13 of the menstrual cycle at the baseline and post-intervention. Also, the PMS-related disability was assessed using Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) and attitude toward menstruation using Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ) at the baseline and post-intervention. Participant satisfaction and views on intervention effectiveness were also assessed using a single Likert question.

Address: Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.; Social Determinants of Health Research Centre, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. [email protected].; Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, South Shariati Street, 5137975846, Tabriz, Iran. [email protected].; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.; Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, South Shariati Street, 5137975846, Tabriz, Iran.

DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06222-w