The management of premenstrual syndrome: results of a questionnaire survey of women in Lviv pharmacies, Ukraine

Abstract

The aim. To establish the prevalence of PMS symptoms and evaluate the medication management of this disorder in Lviv. Materials and methods. The objects of the study were: scientific publications related to the problem of PMS; the results (n=105) of the survey. Methods applied: systematization, generalization, comparison, questionnaire. The statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, univariable analysis using simple logistic regression, multiple logistic regression) were performed with SPSS Trial. Results. The prevalence of PMS among the surveyed was high (83,8 %). The most common complaints are abdominal and/or low back pain (46,6 %) and increased irritability/aggression (43,2 %). Almost half (46,6 %) of women who experienced PMS consult a pharmacist, and only 23,9 % seek medical advice. At the same time, 87,5 % (n=77) of women (among those suffering from PMS) use medicines to alleviate/eliminate the symptoms of PMS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (77,6 %), sedatives (36,8 %), and complex herbal remedies that affect the genital system (18,4 %) are the most common drugs for PMS. Choosing the way of PMS management, 44,8 % of women would prefer herbal medicines to synthetic ones. Both previous using of synthetic drugs for PMS and adverse drug reactions to synthetic drugs have a statistically significant contribution to a positive attitude towards herbal remedies (p=0,004 and p=0,026, respectively). Conclusion. PMS is a common medical and social issue. Achieving effective and safe medication management of PMS requires the joint participation of a physician, pharmacist, and the patient in terms of compliance and lifestyle adjustments