Skip to content

Survey study, 2016

How common is PMS in nursing and midwifery students, and does smoking affect it?

About one in three students (33%) have PMS. Current smokers have much higher rates (52.9%) than never-smokers (28.7%), suggesting smoking is linked to worse PMS.

Moderate study design 584 nursing and midwifery students (334 nursing, 250 midwifery)

What they did

584 nursing and midwifery students (334 nursing, 250 midwifery) completed questionnaires about menstrual cycles and smoking habits. PMS symptoms were assessed using a standardized scale.

What they found

33% of all students had PMS. Among never-smokers, 28.7% had PMS. Among current smokers, 52.9% had PMS. About 53.6% had regular menstrual cycles. Average age was about 20 years.

What it means for you

About one in three college women in nursing and midwifery have PMS, and rates nearly double in smokers. This suggests smoking may worsen premenstrual symptoms. Findings are limited to nursing and midwifery students in one country and may not apply to other groups.

33%

had PMS overall

52.9%

PMS in current smokers

28.7%

PMS in never-smokers

About the study

Original title
The Prevalence of Premenstruel Syndrome in Nursing / Midwifery Students and the Relationship Premenstruel Syndrome and Smoking Behavior
Authors
Didem Kaya, Zehra Gölbaşı
Journal
TAF Preventive Medicine Bulletin
Year
2016
Study design
Survey study
Participants
584

Topics