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Survey study, 2021

How common is PMS in medical students and how severe?

19.2% of students had PMS, with 4.3% mild, 8.1% moderate, and 6.8% severe. This is a small single-college study so the numbers may not apply to all women.

Early or limited evidence 161 female medical students aged 18-25 at Allama Iqbal Medical College, Pakistan

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 161 female medical students aged 18-25. Used a modified DRSP severity scale to measure PMS. Excluded women with irregular periods, certain medical conditions, or hormonal medications.

What they found

PMS found in 31 of 161 students (19.2%). Of those with PMS, 4.3% mild, 8.1% moderate, 6.8% severe. Mean age was 19.9 years, mean BMI was 19.9 kg/m2. Severity was higher in 4-5 year students (p=0.095). 67.1% of students lived away from parents.

What it means for you

About 1 in 5 medical students reported PMS. Actual rates may be higher because women on hormonal contraception were excluded. Limited to one college and one age group.

19.2%

Had PMS

8.1%

Moderate severity

67.1%

Lived away from parents

About the study

Original title
Frequency and Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors
Saira Yunus, Bushra Bano, Ayesha Farooq et al.
Journal
Esculapio
Year
2021
Study design
Survey study
Participants
161
What was tested
None
Open access
Yes

Topics