Self-concept and its effect on menstruation

Abstract EN

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhoea are world wide complaints of women.

An individual's awareness of his own psychic and biologic being as well as his perception of himself influence his social interaction and vice versa.

Self-concept is influenced by one's physical self, personal appearance, by abilities, disposition, values, beliefs and aspirations.

The aim of this study is to assess the relation between positive self-concept and menstrual suffering in a sample of students in order to improve these conditions.

A random sample of 340 female students of Ain Shams Faculty of Girls (5%) were interviewed at the entrance gate of their faculty to different random times during the week and day.

Females who were not enlightened about their menarche and experienced pain tend to have more "severe" suffering during menstruation than others.

Those assessing their health as "bad", considering menses a burden or feeling anxious or phobic tended to have more menstrual suffering than others.

Severity of suffering affects also their studying.

Even if there are hormonal limitation however part of menstrual suffering can be prevented by enlightening girls before their menarche, raising girls with better self-concept and improving their way of its management.

INTRODUC