Survey study, 2025

What is the prevalence of PMS among female biomedical students in Kabul, Afghanistan?

PMS prevalence was 72.3% based on ICD-10 criteria and 21.1% using ACOG criteria. The difference reflects how PMS is defined.

Early or limited evidence 285 female biomedical students in Kabul, Afghanistan, mostly aged 21-25 years, single, with mostly regular menstrual cycles.

What they did

Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted May-September 2024 with 285 female biomedical students in Kabul using stratified random sampling and a standardized questionnaire.

What they found

Using ICD-10 criteria, 72.3% met the criteria for PMS. Using ACOG criteria, 21.1% met PMS criteria. The most common symptoms were muscle, joint, and back pain (86.8%), fatigue (84.3%), and reduced interest in activities (77.3%). Women with irregular menstrual cycles were significantly more likely to have PMS (p=0.018).

What it means for you

PMS is very common in female students in Afghanistan, but the prevalence depends on which diagnostic criteria are used. The findings are limited because the study was conducted in only one city with one type of student (biomedical students), so results may not represent all women in Afghanistan.

72.3%

PMS prevalence using ICD-10 diagnostic criteria

21.1%

PMS prevalence using ACOG diagnostic criteria

86.8%

With muscle, joint, or back pain

About the study

Original title: Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Among Female Biomedical Students in Kabul, Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tawakoli MF, Abed A, Sakhi R
Journal: International journal of women's health
Year: 2025
Study design: Survey study
Participants: 285
What was tested: None; observational study.
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s524839

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Students and academic performance Stigma, attitudes and culture

Systematic review, 2025

Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS?

Cohort study, 2026

Does the menstrual cycle phase affect how much physical activity women do?

Randomised trial, 2026

Does yoga or foot reflexology work better for teenage PMS?

Randomised trial, 2026

Does acceptance and commitment therapy help women with PMS manage emotions and unhelpful thoughts?

Survey study, 2026

Is the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool valid in Serbian?