THE ASSESSMENT OF MENSTRUATION SYMPTOMS IN MIDWIFERY STUDENTS

Aim: This study was conducted for the purpose of evaluating menstrual symptoms of students in midwifery department. Method: This is a descriptive study. The population of the study consisted of 289 students registered to midwifery department in the academic year of 2015-2016, the sample of the study consisted of 269 students who agreed to participate. The data were collected by using personal information form and Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire. Percentage distribution, mean, correlation, one way analysis of variance, and independent samples t-test were used in order to evaluate the data. Results: The average age of the students is 20.39±1.54, 34.9% first class and 27.9% from Eastern Anatolia. Of participants; a significant difference was found between age, age of first menstruation, menstrual period, smoking and menstrual symptoms (p<0.05). As age of the students increased (r=0.122, p=0.046), age of first menstruation decreased (r=-0.130, p=0.033), and their menstrual period extended (r=0.123, p=0.044), the rate of incidence of menstrual symptoms (somatic complaints, menstrual pain symptoms) increased. Menstrual complaints are more common in smokers (t=2.061, p=0.04). Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was determined that menstrual symptoms experienced by the students were moderate