Survey study, 2006
How common is PMS in teenage girls in the UAE and how much does it affect them?
PMS affects 16.4% of teenage schoolgirls in the UAE and seriously impacts their school performance, social interactions, and emotional wellbeing.
What they did
Cross-sectional survey of 700 schoolgirls aged 12-18 from schools in Al-Ain city. Of these, 115 girls were identified with PMS. Researchers interviewed them about their symptoms over the last 3 months and how PMS affected their quality of life.
What they found
16.4% (115 girls) had PMS. Of those with PMS, only 45.2% were receiving treatment, and 60% were using medication. Girls with PMS had significantly worse school performance, social interactions, and emotional wellbeing compared to those without PMS. Girls with a family history of PMS or painful periods were more likely to have PMS.
What it means for you
PMS is common in teenage girls in the UAE and most are not getting treatment for it, despite the significant impact on their school and social life. The study was limited to one city in the UAE, so results may not apply everywhere.
16.4%
Prevalence of PMS
45.2%
Affected girls receiving treatment
60%
Using medication for PMS
About the study
- Original title
- Prevalence and impact of premenstrual syndrome in adolescent schoolgirls in the United Arab Emirates
- Authors
- Rizk DE, Mosallam M, Alyan S et al.
- Journal
- Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 115
- What was tested
- None - observational study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/00016340600556049
Topics
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