--- title: How common are PMS and PMDD among female university students in Afghanistan? description: Very common. 88.8% of students screened positive for either moderate to severe PMS (27.1%) or PMDD (61.7%). url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/prevalence-and-associated-factors-of-premenstrual-syndrome-among-female-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How common are PMS and PMDD among female university students in Afghanistan? Survey study, 2025 # How common are PMS and PMDD among female university students in Afghanistan? Very common. 88.8% of students screened positive for either moderate to severe PMS (27.1%) or PMDD (61.7%). Early or limited evidence 266 female university students aged 15-35 in Kabul, Afghanistan ## What they did Cross-sectional study from April to October 2021 at four universities in Kabul. 310 female students aged 15-35 were enrolled; after data cleaning, 266 remained. Researchers used a validated screening tool for PMS and PMDD. ## What they found 88.8% screened positive for moderate to severe PMS or PMDD. Specifically, 27.1% had moderate to severe PMS and 61.7% had PMDD. Lower educational attainment was associated with higher rates of PMS/PMDD. ## What it means for you PMS and PMDD are highly prevalent among young Afghan women. These are screening results rather than clinical diagnoses. The study is limited to university students in one city. 88.8% Screened positive for PMS or PMDD 27.1% Moderate to severe PMS 61.7% PMDD ## About the study Original title Prevalence and Associated Factors of Premenstrual Syndrome Among Female University Students of the Reproductive Age Group in Kabul, Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study Authors Ezadi Z, Ramozi M, Barati H et al. Journal Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.) Year 2025 Study design Survey study Participants 310 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1089/whr.2024.0106](https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2024.0106) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common menstrual disorder that can significantly impact the physical, emotional, and social well-being of affected women. However, PMS remains a neglected problem in Afghanistan, with limited data on its prevalence and impact. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PMS and the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among female university students in Kabul, Afghanistan. Methods: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study from April to October 2021 at four universities in Kabul. They included a total of 310 female students aged 15-35 years. After data cleaning, 44 participants were removed and 266 participants remained. Data were collected using a validated screening tool for PMS and PMDD, along with information on participants' sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the findings. Results: The study found that 88.8% of participants screened positive for either moderate to severe PMS (27.1%) or PMDD (61.7%). There was a significant association between lower educational attainment and higher rates of PMS/PMDD. Conclusion: This study uncovered a high prevalence of PMS and PMDD among female university students in Kabul. These conditions significantly impact young Afghan women's health and well-being, but remain a neglected issue. Urgent action is needed to improve awareness, screening, and treatment access for premenstrual issues in Afghanistan. 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/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[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 Systematic review, 2025 How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? 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, 2024 How common are PMS and PMDD among female physicians? Survey study, 2024 How common is PMDD among nursing students? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗