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Survey study, 2021

How common is PMS in health care workers?

Very common at 76% overall. But rates were much higher in younger women: 80% of those ages 20-24, dropping to 58.3% in ages 25-30, and 46.6% in ages 31-40.

Early or limited evidence 200 health care providers (100 doctors, 100 paramedics) in Pakistan, ages 20-40

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 200 health care providers (100 doctors and 100 paramedics) in Pakistan from July 2019 to January 2020. They were interviewed about symptoms that had occurred in at least 2-3 of their recent menstrual cycles.

What they found

152 out of 200 (76%) had PMS. The most common symptoms were fatigue (52.6%), social isolation (32.8%), loss of appetite (26.3%), breast swelling (19.1%), and headache (19.7%). PMS was much more common in younger women: 80% of ages 20-24, 58.3% of ages 25-30, and 46.6% of ages 31-40.

What it means for you

PMS is very common in health care workers, especially younger ones. But this studied only health care workers in Pakistan, and symptoms were based on what people remembered from the past, which may not be accurate.

76%

Have PMS

80%

PMS in ages 20-24

52.6%

Experience fatigue

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual Syndrome among Health Care Providers
Authors
Shabana Kanwal, Farah Hassan Khan, Nighat Ali Shah et al.
Journal
Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences
Year
2021
Study design
Survey study
Participants
200
What was tested
None - observational study
Open access
Yes

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