Volume 37, Issue 2

Menstrual health is increasingly recognized as a critical health issue by the World Health Organization, encompassing physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Approximately 1.8 billion women globally experience menstruation, with severe hormonal fluctuations leading to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its more severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which significantly affects quality of life. This study investigates PMS symptoms among university students in Monastir (Tunisia) through a descriptive cross-sectional design involving 150 participants. Data was collected via a semi-structured questionnaire, assessing sociodemographic information and PMS symptoms using the validated A-PMS diagnostic tool. Results indicated that 100 % of participants experienced PMS, with 69.3 % reporting moderate to severe physical symptoms such as fatigue and pain, while 65.3 % noted significant psychological symptoms including anxiety and mood swings. Over half of the students reported mild impacts of PMS on relationships and academic performance, with 48 % experiencing absenteeism due to symptoms. Despite the prevalence of symptoms, the majority did not seek medical help. The findings highlight the critical need for educational institutions and healthcare professionals to address PMS and implement support strategies, thereby enhancing the well-being and academic success of young women. This research underscores the importance of raising awareness and developing effective interventions for menstrual health in this population.

Objectives Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a combination of emotional and physical symptoms occurring the week before menstruation and lasts 2–3 days during menstruation. This study aims to examine the dietary intake and lifestyle triggers among students with and without PMS from Pune, India. Methods We conducted an interview-based, cross-sectional study among 360 college-going students aged 18 to 24 in Pune. The questionnaire recorded socio-demographic details, anthropometry, physical activity, substance abuse, and dietary habits. A Food Frequency Questionnaire assessed dietary patterns, while the MDQ (Menstrual Distress Questionnaire) diagnosed PMS. PMS severity was measured using the Premenstrual Screening Tool (PSST). Risk determinants for PMS were analyzed, with significance set at p<0.05. Results The prevalence of PMS among 18-24-year-old college students was 51.4 %. There is no association observed between participants’ demographic and anthropometric characteristics with PMS. It was observed that participants who frequently consumed cakes, pastries, and pizza and those who consumed contraceptive pills, slept 5–6 h on weekdays were at higher risk of experiencing PMS symptoms. Conclusions This study suggests that frequent consumption of cakes, pastries, and pizza is a potential risk factor for increasing the incidence of PMS among college students. The severity of symptoms was notably higher among those who used contraceptive pills and had shorter sleep durations.

Objectives The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of psycho-educational intervention on severity of menstrual distress symptoms among adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted from August 2019 to April 2020 comprising 120 adolescent girls. The study settings were high schools in Qazvin City. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention (n=60) and control groups (n=60) using a cluster randomization method. The intervention included three 60- to 90-min group psycho-educational sessions based on Leventhal’s self-regulatory method. The sessions took place over three consecutive weeks with each group comprising 8–10 individuals. Menstrual distress (as the primary outcome), and illness perception and severity of dysmenorrhea (as the secondary outcomes), were assessed at four time points (pre-intervention, and three post-intervention assessments [one month, two months, and three months]). Results A total of 54 individuals from the intervention group and 60 from the control group completed all follow-up measurements. Menstrual distress in the pre-menstruation phase significantly decreased among the intervention group at the three follow-ups (−5.41, −5.45, −4.97; all p<0.001). Menstrual distress in the menstruation phase significantly decreased among the intervention group at the three follow-ups (−11.75, −12.49, −12.38; all p<0.001). Dysmenorrhea pain intensity significantly decreased among the intervention group at the three follow-ups (−2.90, −3.49, −3.30; all p<0.001). Illness perception of dysmenorrhea significantly decreased among the intervention group. Mean differences of between group comparison (intervention vs. control) through follow-ups were −19.74, −22.56, −22.71 (all p<0.001). Based on the result of the RM ANOVA-ANCOVA model, the group effect was significant (p<0.001) with the intervention explaining 36.3 % of variance for change in menstrual distress in the pre-menstruation phase, 75 % of change in mean scores of menstrual distress in the menstruation phase, 78.5 % of variance for change in mean scores of dysmenorrhea, and 74.8 % of variance for change in mean scores of illness perception. Conclusions This intervention improved adolescent girls’ menstrual distress, severity of dysmenorrhea, and illness perception regarding dysmenorrhea.

Objectives To find out the prevalence of substance use and associated factors among adolescents of the rural area of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in 461 adolescents of rural area Achrol of Jaipur using systematic random sampling technique. Sample size of 461 was calculated using 4PQ/L2 with a prevalence of substance use at 15.8 %. We utilized a pre-developed, pre-validated, semi-structured questionnaire based on the WHO steps questionnaire with specific adaptations was used. The data was analyzed using SPSS Software version 23, and the Chi-square test was employed for qualitative data analysis. Results The findings revealed that the average (Mean) age of the study participants was 14.1 ± 2.1. Maximum of the study participants (53.3 %) were in the age group of 14–16 years. Males were more (69.6 %) as compared to females (30.3 %). The overall prevalence of substance use was 26.4 % among the study participants. About one fourth (22.2 %) of participants had consumed alcohol in the past. Only (2.1 %) of them were daily smokers. Majority (95.8 %) of the study participants had never consumed any type of Intravenous drug. Factors like family history of substance abuse, high body mass index, low physical activity were statistically significantly associated with different forms of substance use. Conclusions The study population exhibited a high prevalence of substance use and related risk factors. Important risk factors for different forms of substance use prevalent in the study population included male gender, obesity, family history of substance use, and low levels of physical activity.

Objectives This study investigates the relationship between internet addiction and suicidal Ideations among adolescents, aiming to understand the connection between these two phenomena. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on 333 adolescent boys and girls aged 14 to 19, who were studying in Ahvaz city, using a cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using a multi-section questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics, internet addiction, suicidal Ideations, the adolescent depression questionnaire, and life satisfaction. Data were analyzed using path analysis modeling, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test, with the help of SPSS 21 and Amos version 24 software. Results In total, 10.5% were regular users, 40.5% had mild addiction, 44.7% had moderate addiction, and 4.2% had severe internet addiction. The results showed that internet addiction affects negative suicidal Ideations through the mediation of depression and positive suicidal Ideations (desire to live) through the mediation of life satisfaction. The average depression score among adolescents was 8.82 ± 8.76, and the average life satisfaction was 21.25 ± 7.76. Conclusions Based on the results of the present study, suicidal Ideations among adolescents cannot be directly attributed to their internet addiction. The component of depression acts as a mediating factor in creating negative suicidal Ideations, while life satisfaction serves as a supportive factor in the relationship between internet addiction and positive suicidal Ideations (desire to continue living) in adolescents.

Objectives To explore the benefits and drawbacks of pediatric hospitalization of adolescents with anorexia nervosa prior to psychiatric hospitalization. Methods Epidemiologic data, anthropometric measures, and vital signs, as well as hospitalization characteristics and outcomes, were collected retrospectively and analyzed for 104 patients aged 12–18 years old. Results Pediatric hospitalization prior to psychiatric admission did not result in significant advantages in treatment outcomes. Furthermore, no significant advantages were attributed to long pediatric hospitalization as compared to short hospitalization. Conclusions This study suggests that for treating adolescent anorexia nervosa, pediatric hospitalization should be recommended only for immediate correction of urgent and life-threatening physical conditions, with short stays preferred over long pediatric hospitalization.

Objectives Eating disorders (EDs) are a significant global issue among adolescents, including those in boarding schools; however, this population remains under-researched. This study investigated the factors associated with EDs among Indonesian boarding school students. Methods Using a cross-sectional approach, 1,400 adolescents were selected through purposive sampling. The study examined factors such as body mass index (BMI), body image, mood, loneliness, and weight loss using a modified combination of questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using logistic regression in SPSS 21 with a significance level of 0.05. Results Four factors significantly influenced the risk of developing ED. A lower BMI (underweight or normal) decreased the risk (OR=0.2 and 0.3, respectively; CI: 0.140–0.360 and 0.231–0.524, respectively). A lower drive for leanness reduced the likelihood of EDs (OR=0.49; CI: 0.347–0.713). Lower levels of muscularity-oriented eating also decreased ED risk (OR=0.39; CI: 0.273–0.573). Conversely, unhealthy weight loss experiences significantly increased ED risk (OR=8.9; CI: 6.728–11.827). Conclusions These findings highlight the complex factors contributing to EDs risk, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address body image concerns, nutritional practices, and weight loss experiences to promote the well-being of students in boarding schools. The implementation of structured health education programs that emphasize balanced nutrition, positive body image, and healthy weight management is recommended to address eating disorders. Nursing and health professionals play key roles in the development and delivery of these programs.

Objectives In Indonesia, the Weekly Iron Folic Acid (WIFA) supplementation program has been running since 2016 to prevent anemia and stunting in the future. The Healthy Adolescents Stunting Prevention program ( Remaja Sehat Cegah Stunting , known as the “RS Centing” program) in Gresik Regency, Indonesia, has been effective in increasing adolescent understanding of stunting prevention. The prevalence of stunting in Gunungkidul Regency remains high and has reached 22.2 %, exceeding the national target of 14 %. This study aims to analyze whether adolescent health is a priority in the stunting prevention program in Gunungkidul Regency. Methods This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion (FGDs) with participants selected by purposive sampling. The respondents in this study comprised 10 officials from the PKPR (adolescents health care services), the local health department, and the Satgas stunting (stunting task force). Results The results of the study revealed that three main themes emerged from the in-depth interviews and the FGD, namely: (1) Program implementation; (2) barriers to program implementation; and (3) suggestions. Conclusions Program implementation is still constrained by the lack of adequate funding and human resources, as well as weak monitoring, evaluation, and program continuity.