Evaluation of knowledge and attitudes about premenstrual syndrome and nonpharmacological methods of midwifery and nursing students

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the -Midwifery and Nursing students associated with premenstrual syndrome and nonpharmacological pain methods and to determine the factors affecting them. Materials and Methods: This research is a descriptive study. The research was conducted in Nursing and Midwifery departments of a foundation university between 19.12.2018-24.12.2018. The sample of the study consisted of 172 female students who were in school at this time and agreed to participate in the research. The resarch datas were collected by using ''Student Information Form'' and ''Premenstrual Syndrome Scale'' which consists of 9 sub-dimensions and 44 expressions. Results: 18.6% midwifery and 81.4% nursing students participated in the study. 72.1% of the students meet their expenses and 53.5% of them live with their family. It was determined that 78.5% of the students had regular menstrual periods, 44.8% of them had dysmenorrhea, and 76.2% of them used nonpharmacological methods in the premenstrual period and made the most (75.6%) hot application. In addition, 25.2% stated that he had applied to the pharmacological method without pain. The total average value of Premenstrual Syndrome Scale was 139.000 ± 36.607 (min.51- max.220). The highest sub-dimension of this scale (23.256 ± 6.600) was found to be related to "DepressiveAffection". Conclusion: In this study, the total score of premenstrual syndrome was found to be below the mean value of the students. Most of the midwives and nurses used nonpharmacological methods in the premenstrual period. It may be advisable to take measures related to depressive affection which is the most common problem in this period.