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Survey study, 2016

What do women in Saudi Arabia know and think about PMS?

Only 14.1% of women correctly knew PMS was a medical condition. Most were unaware they should seek medical help for it.

Early or limited evidence 249 Saudi women aged 13-50 at primary health care centers in Taif, Saudi Arabia

What they did

Researchers surveyed 249 women aged 13-50 attending primary health care centers in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Women filled out a questionnaire asking what they knew about PMS, their attitudes toward it, and what they would do if they had PMS.

What they found

61.4% of the women had PMS. Only 14.1% correctly identified it as a gynecological disease and only 32.5% knew it required medical consultation. If they had PMS, 30.9% said they would seek medical treatment, 22.1% would see a doctor, 13.6% would use traditional remedies, and 23.3% would do nothing.

What it means for you

PMS is common in this Saudi community but most women don't understand it or know to seek medical help. Cultural attitudes where menstruation is taboo may prevent proper care. This was one study in one Saudi city.

61.4%

had PMS

14.1%

recognized PMS as medical disease

32.5%

knew PMS needs medical care

About the study

Original title
Knoweledge, Attitude and Practice among Women Toward Premenstrual Syndrome Attending Ministry of Health Primary Health Care Centers in Taif City, Saudi Arabia
Authors
Samir Ibrahim Arif
Journal
International Journal of Medical Research Professionals
Year
2016
Study design
Survey study
Participants
249
What was tested
None
Open access
Yes

Topics