Abstract Background: Premenstrual syndrome is a psychosomatic disorder of unknown etiology often noticed just prior to menstruation. Premenstrual symptoms are a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms occur 1 to 2weeks before the period (menstruation or monthly bleeding) starts. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and coping behavior among higher secondary school girls. Methods: The research design selected for this study was non experimental descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Government Higher Secondary School at Nellikupam, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. The study sample consisted of 110 higher secondary school girls, those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Standardized 5 point rating scale was used to assess the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and 3 point rating scale was used to assess the coping behavior of the higher secondary school girls. Results: The analysis revealed that, majority 79 (71.8%) of higher secondary school girls had mild level of symptoms, 27 (24.6%) of girls had moderate level of symptoms, 4 (3.6%) of girls had no premenstrual symptoms and no one had severe level of premenstrual symptoms. Regarding the coping behavior, majority 103 (93.6%) of higher secondary school girls sometimes used coping behavior, 7 (6.4%) of higher secondary school girls always used coping behavior and no one never used any coping behavior for their premenstrual symptoms. Conclusion: Most women experience some form of premenstrual symptoms whether mild or severe at some time in their life. Many treatments have been tried in premenstrual syndrome. Reducing salt intake, caffeine and stress along with increasing exercise are some of the ways to manage premenstrual syndrome.
Keywords: Prevalence; Premenstrual Syndrome; Coping Behavior.