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Survey study, 2022

Is severe period pain and PMS linked to stress and missing school in medical students?

Yes, both severe period pain and PMS are strongly linked to higher stress levels and missing classes among female medical students.

Moderate study design 594 female medical students in Jordan, mean age 21.6 years

What they did

Online survey of 594 female medical students in Jordan from March to April 2021 asking about PMS, period pain, stress levels, and class attendance.

What they found

75.4% had period pain and 58.1% occasionally missed classes. Severe PMS was significantly correlated with higher stress and more absences. However, whether students took pain medication or used non-medication methods did not affect symptom severity.

What it means for you

PMS and period pain significantly affect female medical students' stress and school attendance. Universities should provide better support for menstruation-related problems. The study only included medical students in Jordan, so results may not apply to all female students.

594

female medical students

75.4%

with period pain

58.1%

missed classes

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Association with Perceived Stress: The Experience of Medical Students in Jordan
Authors
Alshdaifat E, Absy N, Sindiani A et al.
Journal
International journal of women's health
Year
2022
Study design
Survey study
Participants
594
What was tested
None - survey study
Open access
Yes

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