Cohort study, 2019
How common is PMS in female students, and how does it affect their daily activities?
PMS is very common: 72.3% reported at least one moderate to severe symptom, 17.2% had moderate to severe PMS, and 2.1% had PMDD. PMS was linked to heavier periods, worse period pain, and less physical activity.
What they did
Cross-sectional survey of 285 female students at a teaching hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal over three months. They used the Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool to measure symptom severity and impact on daily activities, and recorded patient details and socioeconomic status.
What they found
206 women (72.3%) reported at least one moderate to severe premenstrual symptom. 74 women (25.9%) had at least one severe symptom. 6 women (2.1%) met all criteria for PMDD. 49 women (17.2%) had moderate to severe PMS. 80.7% had no or mild symptoms. PMS was significantly associated with heavier menstrual bleeding, worse period pain, family history of PMS, and lower physical activity.
What it means for you
PMS is very common in female students and noticeably affects daily life. This is a snapshot study at one time point, not following people over time, so we cannot say that the factors found cause PMS. The findings apply to students in Nepal and may differ elsewhere.
72.3%
reported moderate to severe symptom
17.2%
had moderate to severe PMS
2.1%
had PMDD
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Syndrome in Students of a Teaching Hospital
- Authors
- Shrestha DB, Shrestha S, Dangol D et al.
- Journal
- Journal of Nepal Health Research Council
- Year
- 2019
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 285
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v0i0.1213
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2025
How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?
Survey study, 2026
Does COVID-19 infection or depression affect menstrual periods?
Survey study, 2026
Does exercise help college women with period problems and mental health?
Survey study, 2026
How common is PMDD among college women and what increases the risk?
Review, 2026
How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life?
Survey study, 2025
Do adverse childhood experiences increase PMS and menstrual symptoms in adulthood?