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Survey study, 2019

How common is PMS among college students and does it affect their quality of life?

PMS affects 62.7% of college students studied and reduces quality of life across physical, mental, social, and environmental domains.

Early or limited evidence 300 female college students in Puducherry, India

What they did

Cross-sectional survey of 300 female science students at a women's college in Puducherry, India. Researchers administered questionnaires assessing PMS symptoms, PMDD, quality of life, diet, and physical activity.

What they found

62.7% had PMS. The most common symptoms were back, joint, and muscle aches, followed by abdominal heaviness and discomfort. About half the students had mood symptoms in the premenstrual phase. PMS was linked to poorer quality of life across all domains. Eating sweets and lack of physical activity were associated with PMS.

What it means for you

More than six in ten college students experienced PMS, which significantly affected day-to-day functioning. The study only included science students at one college in India, so findings may not apply to other populations or countries.

62.7%

PMS prevalence

300

Number of students

50%

With mood symptoms premenstrually

About the study

Original title
Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its impact on quality of life among selected college students in Puducherry
Authors
Bhuvaneswari K, Rabindran P, Bharadwaj B
Journal
The National medical journal of India
Year
2019
Study design
Survey study
Participants
300
What was tested
None; observational study of PMS prevalence and lifestyle
Open access
Yes

Topics