How common is PMS among female students in Bangladesh and how does it affect daily life?

Abstract Background Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can disrupt the lives of females, including students, affecting mood, cognition, and physical well-being. Objective Assessment of female students’ knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding PMS, evaluation of the prevalence of PMS in Bangladesh, and its impact on the regular life of female students in Bangladesh. Study Design: It is a cross-sectional study using a stratified random sampling technique. Method Primary data were collected by conducting an online survey with a semi-structured questionnaire using a stratified random sampling technique. Data collection was carried out from March 2021 to October 2021. The subjects were a minimum of 13 years of age. A total of 366 female students from different demographic profiles participated in the survey. Result Most respondents (74.86%) were aged 21–25 and were undergraduate students (71.31%). 77.05% were familiar with PMS. Almost all (94%) experienced PMS symptoms. 38% experienced PMS symptoms a week prior to their period, while 42% were moderately affected by the physical symptoms. 43% rated PMS psychological and behavioral symptoms as moderately severe. The most common symptoms were cramping headache, and backache. PMS caused a loss of concentration for 65.85% during educational activities, and 59.56% experienced difficulty at work and in other regular activities. Conclusion PMS is common among female students in Bangladesh, affecting their concentration on academic activities. Education and social awareness programs should promote personal hygiene, sexual health, and overall awareness about PMS to address its impact on both personal and professional lives.

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