Prevalence of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Occupational Function in a Nurse Group

Park, Young Hwan; Jeong, Bum Seok; Kim, Chang Yoon; Lee, Chul

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Despite the high prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome, little attention has been paid to these problems until now. Two of the possible reasons for this inattention seem to be the lack of awareness of women as a whole about these disorders and the tolerability of the functional impairments caused by them. The objectives of this study were to find out the prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome in a nurse group and to evaluate the occupational function of nurses with these problems.
METHODS
The cross sectional retrospective data was obtained from 1301 nurses who were employed in a hospital. Premenstrual symptoms were measured with DRSP(the Daily Record Severity of Problems). A new scale developed by authors was used to evaluate the occupational function. To measure burnout intensity, self-esteem and strength of stressful events, MBI(Maslach Burnout Inventory), Self-Esteem Scale and Social Readjustment Rating Questionnaire were used. Nurses' attempts made for managing premenstrual symptoms were also surveyed.
RESULTS
Among 1,078 responders 626(58%)cases were analyzed. Prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder was 4.6%(N=29). Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome was 78.3%(N=490). Comparing occupational function between the groups, the premenstrual dysphoric disorder group had more impairments than the premenstrual syndrome group and no symptom group(p<0.001). Emotional burnout was prominent in premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome group(p<0.001). But, there was no significant difference in loss of ambition(p=0.124). To manage their premenstrual symptoms, nurses preferred to nonpharmacologic treatments or nonprescription drugs. None of the nurses with premenstrual dysphoric disorder reported doctor's prescriptions.
CONCLUSION
Prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in a nurse group is comparable to that in general population. The premenstrual dysphoric disorder group has more impairments in occupational function than the premenstrual syndrome group and no symptom group. Nurses have inadequate managements about their premenstrual symptoms as general population do.