Survey study, 2022

How common is PMS in physiotherapy students and what is linked to it?

PMS is very common: 85% had it. Living in a rural area, starting periods young, higher BMI, and family history of menstrual problems were all linked to higher PMS risk.

Early or limited evidence 396 female physiotherapy students in Egypt, mean age 20.23 years

What they did

Cross-sectional exploratory survey of 396 female physiotherapy students at Delta University in Egypt, mean age 20.23 years. Students completed questionnaires about PMS symptoms, demographics and reproductive factors including when they started menstruating, where they lived and family history.

What they found

85% of students (396 out of 438 who enrolled) had PMS. The PMS group reported more fatigue, abdominal cramping, tension, mood changes and decreased productivity. Living in a rural area, earlier menarche, higher BMI and family history of menstrual problems were all significantly linked to PMS (p less than 0.05).

What it means for you

PMS is very common in this student population. Several factors including weight, when periods started, where someone lives and whether menstrual problems run in the family appear linked to PMS. This was one university in Egypt, so results may not apply elsewhere. The study shows these factors are associated with PMS but does not prove they cause it.

85%

Had PMS

396

Students who completed the study

28.86

Mean BMI kg/m2

About the study

Original title: Premenstrual syndrome and its biopsychosocial symptoms among physiotherapy students in Eastern Delta: An exploratory study
Authors: Gehan A. Abdelsamea, Mostafa Amr, Ahmed Mahmoud Nasr Tolba et al.
Year: 2022
Study design: Survey study
Participants: 438
What was tested: None
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.56984/8zg20a0lr

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Psychotherapy, counselling and education Work and productivity Students and academic performance

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