Survey study, 2018
How common is PMS in college women and how much does it affect their studies and social life?
PMS is very common. 84.4% of students had PMS, and it seriously interfered with their studies and social activities.
What they did
Surveyed 706 female college students at a teachers' training college in Ethiopia. Used standard diagnostic criteria from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to diagnose PMS.
What they found
84.4% of students had PMS. 30.9% had severe PMS, called PMDD. Among students with PMS, 77.9% lost concentration during class, 64.5% had trouble studying at home. For social activities, 81.0% missed recreational activities and 79.0% avoided daily chores. Family income and length of menstrual bleeding were linked to PMS.
What it means for you
PMS is extremely common in this population and has a major impact on school and daily life. The study was from one college in Ethiopia in 2011 and may not apply to other countries or populations.
84.4%
had PMS
77.9%
with PMS lost class concentration
30.9%
had severe PMS (PMDD)
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual Syndrome: Prevalence, Severity, and its Association with Academic and Social Performance among College Students, Jimma Southwest Ethiopia
- Authors
- Samuel Tadesse, Andualem Mossie, Dereje Negussie
- Journal
- The Ethiopian journal of reproductive health.
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Survey study
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.69614/ejrh.v7i1.39
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2026
How common is PMS in female university students in Lebanon and what factors increase the risk?
Survey study, 2011
Does work stress and night shifts increase risk of PMS and PMDD?
Systematic review, 2025
How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?
Review, 2023
What treatments help mental and physical health problems linked to the menstrual cycle?
Systematic review, 2026
What types of talking therapy have been studied for PMS and PMDD?
Systematic review, 2026
Do digital tools and apps help reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms?