Survey study, 2016

How common is PMS in female health science students and how does it affect their academic and social life?

PMS affected 17.5% of students. Among those with PMS, 78.6% had concentration problems, 90.5% stopped studying, and most had poor social interactions.

Early or limited evidence 240 female health science students in Eritrea

What they did

Cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 240 female health science students using stratified systematic random sampling and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria.

What they found

PMS prevalence was 17.5%. Among those with PMS, 96.5% had experienced at least one premenstrual symptom. Of those with PMS, 78.6% had concentration problems, 90.5% stopped studying, 45% missed classes, 66.7% had poor family interaction, 40.5% had poor friend interaction, 83% could not do home chores, and 57.1% socially isolated themselves.

What it means for you

Although PMS was not extremely common, it significantly disrupted academics and social life for those who had it. The study was limited to one college in one country, and the cross-sectional design means we cannot determine whether PMS caused these problems or whether other factors were involved.

17.5%

Prevalence of PMS

78.6%

With PMS who had concentration problems

90.5%

With PMS who stopped studying

About the study

Original title: The Prevalence and Effects of Premenstrual Syndrome among Female Health Science Students in Eritrea
Authors: Eyob Azaria Kidane, Meron Mehari, Nahom Kiros et al.
Journal: European Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences
Year: 2016
Study design: Survey study
Participants: 240
What was tested: None
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.11648/j.ejcbs.20160201.11

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Cognition, concentration and memory Students and academic performance

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