Premenstrual Syndrome Experiences and Coping Levels of University Students: A Mixed Method Study

Objective:Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is common among young female university students. Determining students’ PMS experience and coping levels with them can contribute to the development of effective strategies. This research was carried out to determine the premenstrual symptoms, coping experiences of the students with them and coping levels of the students experiencing PMS.Methods:This research is in a mixed method design that includes quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The number of participants was 436 students. Quantitative data of the study were collected through an introductory information form, premenstrual coping measure (PCM), and qualitative data were collected through individual interviews using a semi-structured form.Results:The mean age of the participants was 20.65±1.68, mean age at menarche was 12.96±1.22. The rate of students experiencing PMS frequently was 41.1%, the rate of those who had regular menstruation was 73.9%, and the rate of those with dysmenorrhea was 90.3%. The most common symptoms were anxiety (73.4%), fatigue (72.3%), breast tenderness (71.1%), appetite changes (70.6%). The students' coping skills with PMS were at a good level. The highest PCM sub-dimension score was in the self-care (14.82±3.81) and awareness and acceptance of premenstrual change (34.49±7.86) dimensions. Strategies used by students to cope with PMS included practices such as conflict avoidance, being alone, rest, sleep, massage, exercise and drinking herbal tea.Conclusion:This study showed students’ common PMS symptoms and coping strategies with thme. Health professionals should be aware of students’ problems and provide comprehensive health services that support them coping with PMS

Attitudes and Beliefs of Midwifery Students on Sexuality and Evaluation of Sexuality: A Mixed-Method Study

Background: The sexual attitudes and beliefs of midwifery students, who play an important role in improving sexual health, can affect both the students themselves and people with disabilities to whom they provide education and counselling. This study aimed to determine the attitudes and beliefs of midwifery students on sexuality and the evaluation of sexuality. Methods: This research is a mixed-method study that includes two stages: qualitative and quantitative. In the first stage, data was collected from 334 students using a socio-demographic data form and the sexual attitude and belief scale. The second stage involved conducting phenomenological interviews with 21 students. Results: The students who believed they had adequate knowledge about sexuality and reproductive health, as well as those who had previously engaged in scientific activities related to sexuality, held more positive attitudes and beliefs towards sexual care. The qualitative section of the study identified four main themes, each containing 13 sub-themes, which provided further insights into the students\u27 perspectives on the subject. Conclusions: The students acknowledged that their society had strict sexual taboos, but their attitudes toward sexuality changed after studying sexual health and women\u27s health at university. The study highlighted the challenges faced by midwifery students in assessing sexual health. By addressing these difficulties, trained midwives can better evaluate the sexual health of patients in clinical settings, leading to early detection of sexual problems. Keywords: Sexuality, Sexual health, Sex educatio