---
title: How common is PMS and does it affect academic performance in university students in Ethiopia?
description: 27% of students met diagnostic criteria for PMS or PMDD. About 14% frequently missed classes and 15% missed exams or got lower grades due to PMS symptoms. The
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrom-prevalence-and-effect-on-academic-and-social-performances-2003/
---

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- How common is PMS and does it affect academic performance in university students in Ethiopia?

Survey study, 2003

# How common is PMS and does it affect academic performance in university students in Ethiopia?

27% of students met diagnostic criteria for PMS or PMDD. About 14% frequently missed classes and 15% missed exams or got lower grades due to PMS symptoms. These academic impacts were significantly associated with symptom severity.

 Early or limited evidence

242 female university students at Jimma University in Ethiopia, aged 17-38 years

## What they did

Cross-sectional survey of 242 randomly selected female students at Jimma University in Ethiopia, conducted in January 2002. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire using DSM-IV diagnostic criteria to identify PMS and PMDD cases.

## What they found

Nearly all participants (99.6%) had at least one premenstrual symptom during many menstrual cycles in the last 12 months. 27% met full DSM-IV criteria for PMS or PMDD. About 14% of students frequently missed classes because of premenstrual symptoms. About 15% missed exams or scored lower grades at least once due to symptoms. Missing classes and exam-related impacts were significantly associated with symptom severity.

## What it means for you

PMS is very common in this student population and significantly affects academic performance. However, this study was conducted only in Ethiopia at one university, so findings may not apply in other countries or settings. Results rely on self-reported symptoms rather than clinical assessment.

27%

Prevalence of PMS or PMDD

14%

Frequently missed classes

15%

Missed exams or got lower grades

## About the study

Original title Premenstrual syndrom: prevalence and effect on academic and social performances of students in Jimma University, Ethiopia Authors Addis Tenkir, Nebreed Fisseha, Biniyam Alemayehu Ayele Journal Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Year 2003 Study design Survey study Participants 242 What was tested None. This was an observational study using a questionnaire to identify PMS cases and assess their impact on academic performance. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.4314/ejhd.v17i3.9838](https://doi.org/10.4314/ejhd.v17i3.9838)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)

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