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Survey study, 2021

How many female medical students have PMS and how much does it affect schoolwork?

Nearly two-thirds of female medical students (64.9%) have PMS, and it significantly interferes with their daily activities and homework.

Moderate study design 388 female medical students at Bisha University in Saudi Arabia

What they did

Cross-sectional survey of 388 female medical students in Saudi Arabia using a standardized PMS scale. Participants answered questions about their symptoms, personality type, weight, and exercise habits.

What they found

64.9% of female medical students had PMS. Most were extroverted (35%). 13.4% were obese or overweight. Of the 50% with PMS, only 19.5% exercised regularly. PMS significantly impaired their studies and daily activities. Almost half experienced menstrual effects on their learning.

What it means for you

PMS is very common in female medical students and clearly affects their ability to study and do homework. The study was limited to one university in Saudi Arabia, so results may not apply in other countries.

64.9%

prevalence of PMS

388

students studied

19.5%

of students with PMS who exercised regularly

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Impact on the Quality of Life of Female Medical Students at Bisha University, Saudi Arabia
Authors
Al-Shahrani AM, Miskeen E, Shroff F et al.
Journal
Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare
Year
2021
Study design
Survey study
Participants
388
What was tested
None; observational study
Open access
Yes

Topics