Prevalence and severity of menstrual symptoms among institutionalised women with an intellectual disability.
BACKGROUND
Perimenstrual syndrome (PMS) among women with an intellectual disability (ID) has not been investigated in Taiwan. This study explores the prevalence/severity of PMS experienced by women with ID who are institutionalised.


METHODS
Ninety two female residents aged 15 to 54 at six public institutions completed a structured interview between June and November 2006, together with the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MMDQ).


RESULTS
Strong significant differences were detected between the participants' physical, emotional, behavioural, and psychological changes during the perimenstrual and remainder phases in all domains other than Arousal. Cramps, hot flushes, affection, orderliness, excitement, and bursts of energy/activity were most prevalent during the perimenstruum (>50%). The participants' unique characteristics and cultural context were associated with the various domains of the PMS.


CONCLUSIONS
Special attention should be paid in future to ascertain whether these experiences and perceptions of PMS are common among all women with ID.
Chou
Yueh-Ching
YC
National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. choucyc@ym.edu.tw
Lu
Jane Zxy-Yann
JZ
Pu
Cheng-Yun
CY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008598:Menstruation / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013577:Syndrome; D055815:Young Adult