Abstract

Anannya Mathew* and Aashma Susan Varghese

ABSTRACT

Background: A common disorder affecting women who are fertile, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by a range of behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms. Even with its effects, PMS is still underdiagnosed and inadequately treated, especially in rural areas where stigmas, cultural norms, and limited access to healthcare facilities can make treatment and awareness difficult. The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of women living in rural Karnataka's Bagalkote district regarding PMS and to determine how well an interventional method works to improve these elements. Methods: A locally situated In rural Bagalkote, an interventional study was carried out with women who were of reproductive age. standardized questionnaire was used to gather KAP data both before and after the intervention. To improve knowledge and management of PMS, the intervention included group discussions, educational workshops, and the provision of relevant materials. Results: A substantial lack of awareness on PMS was evident from the baseline assessment, as many individuals were unable to distinguish PMS from other menstrual illnesses or name prevalent symptoms. There were a lot of negative sentiments, with most women viewing PMS as a necessary but natural aspect of menstruation. Low rates of using effective medications and physician consultations were indicative of insufficient PMS management practices. Following the intervention, knowledge significantly improved, with a greater understanding of symptoms and available treatments. Positive attitudes changed, and an increase in women sought medical guidance and adopted better lifestyle habits to manage PMS. Conclusion: The study emphasizes how important it is to implement focused educational initiatives in rural regions in order to raise KAP toward PMS. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the participants regarding PMS were considerably enhanced by the intervention in the Bagalkote district. These results highlight the significance of continued education initiatives aimed at enabling rural women to better understand and manage PMS and, in turn, improve their quality of life.