Skip to content

Survey study, 2026

What do female students believe causes PMS and what does it affect?

Female students strongly believe that hormonal changes and genetic factors cause PMS, and that emotional distress is an effect. However, this measures what students think, not scientific proof.

Early or limited evidence 391 female undergraduates at University of Ilorin, Nigeria

What they did

Cross-sectional survey of 391 female undergraduates at University of Ilorin in Nigeria. Participants completed a validated questionnaire about sociodemographics, gynecologic history, and perceived causes and effects of PMS. Data were analyzed using chi-square statistics.

What they found

Hormonal fluctuation was significantly perceived as a cause of PMS (χ2=153.184, p<0.05). Genetic factor was significantly perceived as a cause (χ2=143.442, p<0.05). Emotional distress was significantly perceived as an effect of PMS (χ2=159.013, p<0.05).

What it means for you

Students strongly associate hormonal and genetic factors with PMS and believe it causes emotional distress. This survey measures student beliefs rather than actual scientific causes. Limited to one university in Nigeria.

391

undergraduates surveyed

χ2=153.184

perceived hormonal cause

χ2=159.013

emotional distress as effect

About the study

Original title
PERCEIVED CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES IN UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, NIGERIA
Authors
Abdulqudus Tosin Jamiu, Afolake Hamidah AFOLABI, Simeon Damilola AREMU et al.
Journal
Journal of Educational Research and Development
Year
2026
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None (survey of perceived causes and effects)
Open access
Yes

Topics