A quasi experimental study to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding premenstrual syndrome among adolescent girls in selected schools at Madurai

Adolescence is a journey from the world of the child to adult. It is a time of physical and emotional change as the body matures. Adolescence is a critical transitional period that includes the biological changes of puberty and the need to negotiate key developmental task and it requires special attention and protection. Health of today’s adolescence is hope for tomorrow’s world The aim of the study is to investigate the knowledge and the attitude of adolescent school girls towards premenstrual syndrome. A quasi experimental research using one group pre-test post-test design was conducted with simple random sample of 100 adolescent girls, Madurai. A structured knowledge on premenstrual syndrome and likert type attitude scale were developed by the researcher to assess the attitude regarding premenstrual syndrome and used to collect data from the participants. The planned teaching programme covered all aspects in it. The knowledge and attitude of the adolescent girls were assessed immediately before and a week after planned teaching programme was conducted.The majority 75(75%) of the adolescent girls belonged to the age group of 15 to 18 years. Nearly three fourths 90(70%) of the adolescent girls attained menarche in the age group of 11 to 16 years. Majority 95(95%) had inadequate knowledge and 5(5%) had moderate knowledge regarding pre menstrual syndrome in the pre-test and 50(50%) of adolescent girls had adequate knowledge, 38(38%) had moderate knowledge and 12(12%) had inadequate knowledge in the post-test (12.4±4.36 to 23.6±8.25 p< 0.05; paired t- test). Majority 56(56%) had neutral attitude, 41(41%) had negative attitude and 3(3%) had positive attitude in the pre test. Majority 48(48%) had positive attitude, 42(42%) had neutral attitude and 10(10%) had negative attitude. The attitude score significantly increased from 11.0±2.21 to 13.9±2.61 (p< 0.05; paired t- test). There was significant positive correlation between post test knowledge and attitude scores (r=0.06). The present study concludes that recently pre menstrual syndrome is a common problem all over the world affecting the quality of life of women significantly. Despite the growing awareness, there remains a considerable deficiency of knowledge and attitude about the symptoms, treatment and home remedies of pre menstrual syndrome. The further research is required for a large population including women from various background for the better assessment and strategize to manage this rising problem. Majority of adolescent reports, stress exacerbates their pre menstrual syndrome. It is important that a healthy culture to be promoted among adolescent girls as well as women through health education. Pre menstrual syndrome, programme KAA dolescent girls.