--- title: How common are premenstrual symptoms in university students and do they affect academic performance? description: 78.9% of female university students had premenstrual symptoms and 90% reported that it negatively affected their academic performance, especially their abilit url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/impact-of-premenstrual-tension-syndrome-on-academic-performance-among-female-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How common are premenstrual symptoms in university students and do they affect academic performance? Survey study, 2024 # How common are premenstrual symptoms in university students and do they affect academic performance? 78.9% of female university students had premenstrual symptoms and 90% reported that it negatively affected their academic performance, especially their ability to pay attention in class. Early or limited evidence 251 female university students from Ras Al Khaimah, UAE ## What they did Researchers studied 251 female university students over 6 months from January to June 2022 in the UAE and assessed how many had premenstrual symptoms and how these symptoms affected their schoolwork. ## What they found 78.9% experienced premenstrual tension syndrome, 16.3% met criteria for PMDD, most had mild to moderate symptoms with anxiety and depressed mood being the most common psychological symptoms, 90% reported negative impact on academic performance with paying attention in class most affected. ## What it means for you Premenstrual symptoms are extremely common in university-aged women and significantly interfere with their ability to study and participate in activities. Results are from one university in the UAE. 251 students studied 78.9% had premenstrual symptoms 90% reported negative academic impact ## About the study Original title Impact of premenstrual tension syndrome on academic performance among female university students from the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study Authors Omara EIM, Salama RAA, Tadross TM et al. Journal Health science reports Year 2024 Study design Survey study Participants 251 What was tested None (observational study) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70124](https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70124) Original abstract Background and aim: Premenstrual tension syndrome can vary in type and severity among females, potentially affecting their academic performance. This study aims to examine the prevalence and severity of premenstrual tension syndrome symptoms in female university students and their impact on academics. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among female university students from Ras Al Khaimah, UAE over 6 months, from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022. The updated premenstrual tension syndrome self-rating scale questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence and severity of symptoms. A total of 251 respondents were included in the study. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between PMT and academic performance. Results: The results showed that 78.9% of the participants experienced premenstrual tension syndrome, with 16.3% of them reporting premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The majority of participants reported mild to moderate symptoms, with anxiety and depressed mood being the most common psychological symptoms. In terms of behavioral symptoms, physical symptoms and feeling overwhelmed were the most prevalent. Furthermore, 90% of participants reported a negative impact on their academic performance, with paying attention in class being the most affected. The study also found that PMT disorder had a significant impact on physical activities and extracurricular activities. Conclusions: Our study showed a high prevalence of premenstrual disorders among female students and their influence on physical activity and extracurricular participation. The study highlights the importance of implementing therapies for PMT syndrome and providing support to improve academic performance and overall quality of life. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2026 Does the Chinese version of the PMS screening questionnaire work well? Survey study, 2025 Is a Chinese version of a PMDD screening tool reliable and valid for identifying PMDD? Survey study, 2024 What menstrual and mental health factors are linked to high-risk premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2023 How common are PMS, PMDD, anxiety, and depression in rural adolescent girls? Randomised trial, 2021 Does hypnotherapy reduce pain and emotional distress in women with PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗