• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.320-332
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to examine premenstrual symptoms (PMS) according to physical activity of high school girls. Method: Data were collected from 323 high school girls using structured questionnaires, Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and AVOVA. Results: The mean score of PMS was low (2.200.81). Among the subcategories, negative feeling (2.491.26) was the highest. Physical activity levels were coded as inactive, minimal activity and health enhancing physical activity, among which minimal activity (53.0%) was the highest. Significant differences in PMS were observed according to subjective health condition (F=10.83, p<.001), alcohol intake (t=-1.99, p=.048), caffeine intake (F=3.04, p=.029), dietary habit (F=4.78, p=.009), amount of menstruation (F=4.57, p=.011), discomfort in daily life (F=28.94, p<.001), degree of menstrual pain (F=41.23, p<.001), method of menstrual pain relief (F=4.29, p=.015), and family history (F=11.45, p<.001). Significant difference in PMS was observed according to the physical activity level (F=3.12, p=.046), and health enhancing physical activity (2.540.87) was the highest. Conclusion: These findings suggest that PMS intervention programs would be considered factors related to PMS. Conduct of further studies is recommended for evaluation of the relationship between physical activity and PMS.