Survey study, 2022
How does PMS affect university students' school and daily life, and how do they cope?
About one-third of students reported that PMS affected their school performance, relationships, or daily activities. Students used various coping methods, including seeing health workers and taking painkillers, though some used less helpful approaches like drinking alcohol.
What they did
238 female students from 4 universities in Central Uganda completed a questionnaire about PMS symptoms, their effects, and coping strategies between November 2021 and May 2022. Data from 212 respondents were analyzed.
What they found
33% (70 out of 212) reported that PMS affected their school performance, relationships, daily activities, or home chores. Sleeping in class and being late on assignments were significantly associated with PMS. Coping strategies significantly associated with PMS were hiding or locking oneself in a room, drinking alcohol, seeing a health worker, and taking painkillers. Some students reported using herbal preparations.
What it means for you
PMS significantly affects school performance and daily functioning in many students. Women use both helpful coping methods (health workers, painkillers) and harmful ones (alcohol). Cultural stigma around menstruation may prevent help-seeking. Herbal remedies used by students need scientific investigation.
212
students analyzed
33%
affected in school or daily life
70
women reporting effects
About the study
- Original title
- Effects and coping mechanisms associated with Premenstrual Syndrome among female University Students in Central Uganda: A Cross-sectional Study
- Authors
- Elizabeth Atim, Florence Nabushawo Okecho, Regina Ndagire et al.
- Journal
- Student s Journal of Health Research Africa
- Year
- 2022
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 212
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v3i9.219
Topics
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