Evaluation of the effectiveness of structured training according to symptom map for coping with premenstrual syndrome

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: This study was conducted to develop the Premenstrual Syndrome Specific Life Satisfaction Scale, to test its validity and reliability, to evaluate its psychometric properties and to examine the effectiveness of structured training according to the symptom map. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in two phases between September 2023 and February 2025. The first phase of the study was methodological and the Life Satisfaction Scale of Individuals with Premenstrual Syndrome was developed and its psychometric properties were evaluated. In the second phase, a randomised controlled intervention study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of PMS symptom map-based training. Data were collected using a descriptive information form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale and Premenstrual Syndrome Specific Life Satisfaction Scale. The data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS software, percentage, mean, independent t test, dependent t test, chi-square test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation analyses. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis goodness of fit values of the Life Satisfaction Scale of Individuals with Premenstrual Syndrome, which was determined as 15 items and 3 dimensions by exploratory factor analysis, showed that the model was acceptable (RMSEA= .078; X2/df= 1.96; CFI=0.91; GFI=0.88; AGFI=0.83). Cronbach Alpha of the developed scale was found to be 0.880. In the second stage of the study, it was found that the mean scores of Premenstrual Syndrome Scale, Visual Analogue Scale for Physical Symptoms, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale were statistically significantly lower and the mean score of Premenstrual Syndrome Specific Life Satisfaction Scale was statistically significantly higher in the training group compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The developed scale was found to be reliable and valid. The training given to women with PMS was found to be effective on pain, life satisfaction, depression-anxiety-stress level and premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Keywords: Premenstrual syndrome, symptom map, education, life satisfaction, premenstrual syndrome symptoms