Occupational participation and engagement of woman experiencing premenstrual syndrome: A qualitative study

Premenstrual syndrome is commonly experienced by women of reproductive age and encompasses somatic, psychological and behavioural symptoms that recur during the luteal stage of menstrual cycle and resolves during or after menstruation. Although premenstrual syndrome has gained growing interest in recent years, the experience of women living with premenstrual syndrome has not yet been explored from an occupational perspective.

This qualitative study an used exploratory and descriptive design to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experience of women with premenstrual syndrome through an occupational lens. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with four women living with premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Each interview was transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Three themes were identified: (1) occupational disturbance, (2) social impairment and occupational disengagement, and (3) the importance of self-awareness to engage in occupations. Women with premenstrual syndrome symptoms experienced difficulties that impacted their ability to engage in occupations including self-care, productivity and leisure, interfering with their occupational routine and interpersonal relationships. A level of awareness was considered important to manage premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

The findings of this study are relevant to understanding the impact of premenstrual symptoms on daily living and for tailoring future interventions to address the occupational needs in women with premenstrual syndrome.