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Survey study, 2018

How common are PMS and PMDD among medical students and do they affect school and social life?

PMS was common (65%) and PMDD less common (12%), and while most attended classes, about a third avoided social activities. This finding is from one medical college in India.

Early or limited evidence Medical college students in India (1st-3rd year MBBS students)

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year medical college students. Students filled out a questionnaire about PMS and PMDD symptoms and how they affected academic and social performance.

What they found

The prevalence of PMS was 65%. The most common physical symptom was body pain (52%) and the most common emotional symptom was irritability (50%). Only 12% of students became absent from class because of PMS and 32% avoided joining social functions. The prevalence of PMDD was 12%.

What it means for you

PMS is common among medical students but surprisingly few miss class, suggesting many manage to attend school despite symptoms. However, about one-third avoid social activities. The main limit is the exact sample size is not clearly stated and this was one medical college in India.

65%

Had PMS

50%

Had irritability

12%

Had PMDD

About the study

Original title
Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder among medical students and its impact on their academic and social performance
Authors
Geeta Shamnani, Vani Krishana Gupta, Rekha Jiwane et al.
Journal
National Journal of Physiology Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Year
2018
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None - observational survey
Open access
Yes

Topics