--- title: How common is PMS among young women at university and what factors increase risk? description: Over 90% of women reported at least one premenstrual symptom. Being in a high-level year of study and having low income were significantly linked to higher PM url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/prevalence-of-premenstrual-syndrome-and-associated-factors-amongst-women-2022/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How common is PMS among young women at university and what factors increase risk? Survey study, 2022 # How common is PMS among young women at university and what factors increase risk? Over 90% of women reported at least one premenstrual symptom. Being in a high-level year of study and having low income were significantly linked to higher PMS rates. Early or limited evidence 409 women aged 18-30 years at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia ## What they did Cross-sectional study of 409 women (both students and staff) aged 18-30 years at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, conducted in 2019. Researchers used questionnaires about symptoms and lifestyle, measured body size, and analyzed which factors predicted PMS. ## What they found Over 90% of women reported at least one premenstrual symptom. Average symptom score was 6.71 on a scale of 0-12. Physical symptoms were more common than psychological symptoms. Women in high-level years of study were 2.26 times more likely to have PMS. Women with income under 10,000 Saudi Riyals were 2.66 times more likely to have PMS. ## What it means for you PMS is extremely common in young women, with over 90% having at least some symptoms. Academic pressure and financial strain may increase risk. The study is from one university in 2019, so may not represent all settings. It is unclear what 'income' means in this context. >90% Had at least one symptom 2.26 Risk multiplier for high-level students 2.66 Risk multiplier for low income ## About the study Original title Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome and Associated Factors amongst Women Belonging to King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study Authors Lamees Abdullah Altamimi, Amal Saad Saeed Aseeri, Zaibunnisa Kamran et al. Journal International Journal of Women s Health and Reproduction Sciences Year 2022 Study design Survey study Participants 409 What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.15296/ijwhr.2022.33](https://doi.org/10.15296/ijwhr.2022.33) Original abstract Objectives: The burden of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is increasing and affects the quality of life of young women. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of PMS and identify the associated factors amongst students and staff belonging to the King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, 2019. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted during 2019 with 409 women (both students and staff), aged 18-30 years belonging to the KSU (female campus), in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic information, premenstrual symptoms, smoking, physical activity, and social support. Standard protocols were followed to measure anthropometric indices, including height, weight, hip, and waist circumference. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the significant factors associated with PMS. Results: Participants’ mean age and body mass index were 22±3.3 years and 24.0±5.3 kg/m2 , respectively. The mean scores for total symptoms were 6.71±2.81, ranging from 0 to 12, with more than 90% of women reporting at least one symptom. The physical symptoms were more frequently reported as compared to psychological symptoms. The multivariate regression found that high-level studies (OR= 2.26, 95% CI: 1.31-3.92) and participants reporting income level <10000 Saudi Arabian Riyal (OR= 2.66, 95% CI: 1.40-5.03) were significantly associated with PMS. Conclusions: A significantly large number of women are suffering from PMS. Lifestyle interventions focusing on body weight and income-generating programs can help decrease premenstrual symptoms. We recommend that national-level studies should be conducted to highlight any urban-rural differences related to PMS. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2026 Does Kundalini Reiki help reduce PMS symptoms and improve quality of life? Randomised trial, 2026 Does a warm footbath help PMS symptoms and sleep quality? Randomised trial, 2025 Which is more effective for PMS - Vitagnus, soy, or both together? Systematic review, 2025 How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling? Systematic review, 2025 Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS? Systematic review, 2020 How common is PMS among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗