Cohort study, 2020
How common are PMS and painful periods in female medical students, and do they affect school attendance?
Very common. 68% of the 100 students had PMS and 45% had painful periods. Both conditions were linked to missing classes and to being overweight or physically inactive.
What they did
A prospective survey of 100 female medical students in Mangalore. Students completed questionnaires about painful periods, PMS symptoms, diet, physical activity, and missed classes.
What they found
The prevalence of painful periods was 45% and PMS was 68%. PMS was significantly linked to being overweight, obese, and physically inactive (p=0.05). 73% of students with PMS consumed junk food, and 60% of those with painful periods did. 40% of students with painful periods reported limitation of daily activities, and this was significantly linked to college absenteeism (p=0.005). The most common physical symptom of PMS was breast tenderness (41%) and the most common emotional symptom was irritability (35%).
What it means for you
PMS and painful periods are common in this student population and affect their school attendance and daily activities. Unhealthy lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of exercise appear to be linked to these conditions. However, this study only included medical students in one location.
68%
prevalence of PMS
45%
prevalence of painful periods
40%
with painful periods had activity limitations
About the study
- Original title
- Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea among medical students and its impact on their college absenteeism
- Authors
- Arshia Syed, Smitha B. Rao
- Journal
- International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Year
- 2020
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 100
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20201042
Topics
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