- Han-Fu Cheng: School of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. ns227@mail.fy.edu.tw
PURPOSE: To determine the frequency and distribution of various perimenstrual symptoms experienced by Taiwanese nursing students.
METHODS: A descriptive "management of menstrual cramps survey" was utilized to collect information from 2,758 female nursing students in southern Taiwan.
FINDINGS: Of the participants, the most frequently reported perimenstrual symptom was a combination of four symptom categories, including mood change, pain, gastrointestinal disturbance, and functional ability decline.
CONCLUSIONS: A potentially new nursing diagnosis of perimenstrual syndrome including four symptom categories may be established.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The results are important for the education of healthcare professionals and the public. Understanding the interaction among perimenstrual symptoms may help guide nursing professionals in women's health care.