Changes in menstrual symptoms and work productivity after checklist-based education for premenstrual syndrome: an 8-month follow-up of a single-arm study in Japan

• DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03067-2
• Publication Date: 2024-04-15T06:02:35Z
• Authors: Chihiro Ozeki; Eri Maeda; Osamu Hiraike; Kyoko Nomura; Yutaka Osuga
• Keywords: Medical help-seeking; Adult; Work productivity; Research; Gynecology and obstetrics; Educational intervention; Checklist; Premenstrual Syndrome; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Japan; RG1-991; Humans; Female; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Premenstrual syndrome; Work Performance; Follow-Up Studies

Abstract Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is prevalent among women of reproductive age, but most do not seek medical advice. We hypothesized that building PMS awareness could promote help-seeking for and thus reduce menstrual symptoms improve work productivity. Methods In January 2020, aged between 25 44 years, having paid work, currently consulting with an obstetrics gynecology doctor ( n = 3090) responded to the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), Symptoms screening tool, World Health Organisation Work Performance Questionnaire. addition, they received checklist-based online education PMS. Of 3090 participants, 2487 (80.5%) participated in a follow-up survey September 2020. conducted multiple logistic regression analyses text explore factors encouraged discouraged help-seeking. also evaluated changes productivity, using generalized estimating equations interactions severity PMS, help-seeking, time. Results During period, 4.9% participants (121/2487) sought help. Those high annual income (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–3.53) moderate-to-severe (aOR 2.27, CI: 1.49–3.46) were more likely have who did help despite their reported normalization (36%), time constraints (33%), other reasons seeking Participants had showed significant improvement − 8.44 points (95% 14.73 2.15 points) intermenstrual MDQ scores during period. However, there no improvements premenstrual or absolute presenteeism. Conclusion Medical alleviated only small proportion them after education. Further research should be benefit majority are reluctant help, including provision self-care information. Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry number: UMIN000038917.