Survey study, 2026
Does PMS affect academic and social performance?
Yes. Students with PMS reported difficulty concentrating (39.5%) and disruption of daily routines and relationships. Academic and social performance were notably better on non-PMS days.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 339 undergraduate female students aged 16-26 in Peshawar, Pakistan. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about PMS symptoms and their effects on academic and social life.
What they found
200 students (58.9%) met PMS criteria: 80 (40%) mild, 77 (38.5%) moderate, 43 (21.5%) severe. Difficulty concentrating: 79 (39.5%), disinterest: 62 (31%), absenteeism: 18 (9%). Social effects included disruption of daily routine (30.5%), trouble with others (27.5%), relationship issues (23.5%). Mood swings (91.8%), irritability (88.2%), and anger (86.4%) were most common psychological symptoms. Fatigue (89.1%), dizziness (71.4%), and bloating (67.8%) were most common physical symptoms.
What it means for you
PMS affects concentration and social relationships. Students performed better academically and socially on non-PMS days. The study was limited to one city in Pakistan, so results may not apply to all women.
58.9%
met PMS criteria
39.5%
had difficulty concentrating
91.8%
mood swings (most common)
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndrome: severity and its impact on academic and social performance of undergraduate female students in Hayatabad, Peshawar
- Authors
- Raheelah Amin, Noor Fatima, Aiman Gul Imran et al.
- Journal
- Journal of Rehman Medical Institute
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 339
- What was tested
- None - observational study
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.52442/jrmi.v12i3.850
Topics
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