Treatment-Seeking Behaviors among Korean University Women with Premenstrual Symptoms

Jeong, Bum Seok; Lee, Jee Hyun; Chang, Namsoo; Kang, Byung Moon; Joe, Sook Haeng; Kim, Chang Yoon; Han, Oh Su

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to determine the treatment-seeking behaviors of Korean university women with premenstrual symptoms.
METHODS
Of 1419 subjects who randomly selected in 4 women's university in Seoul, 771 who experienced at least one premenstrual symptom during past three months were included in this study. Treatment-seeking behaviors for relieving premenstrual symptoms were grouped into five categories [doctor's prescription, self-prescription with over-the-counter drug, use of oriental medicine, use of other conservative-alternative medicine (CAM), nonpharmacological treatment]. We investigated what the preferential treatment was and how many subjects were experienced the medical evaluation by doctor. The attitude and knowledge to premenstrual symptoms were evaluated.
RESULTS
Subjects who experienced at least one kind of treatment for relieving premenstrual symptoms were 50.2% of women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and 63.6% of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Nonpharmacological treatment such as exercise or rest was the most preferential treatment. Only 2.3% of PMDD was examined and prescribed by doctor. Subjects with doctor's or oriental doctor's prescription had more severe premenstrual symptoms and showed functional impairment than others. Only 7% of university women reported to know well about premenstrual symptoms and their treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that Korean university women prefer self-diagnosis and self-prescription to the evaluation and prescription by doctor for relieving premenstrual symptoms even though they suffer from PMDD. It indicates that the adequate evaluation and treatment for premenstrual symptoms are not carried out because of the lack of knowledge about them. Therefore, the correct information about symptoms and management of PMS and PMDD should be serviced to general population. Also, systematic evaluation of efficacy and safety of oriental medicine and other CAM for premenstrual symptom is needed.