Premenstrual tension in medical students: risk factors, lifestyle, and effect on quality of life

Abstract

Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) comprises physical, mental, and psychological symptoms that occur for some women during the late luteal phase of their menstrual period about 7 days before menstruation. Aim and objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of PSM/premenstrual dysphoric disorder, associated risk factors, and effect on quality of life in medical students. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al Azhar University, during the period from August 2020 to February 2021 and included 800 medical students. All students were invited to fill a self-evaluation questionnaire that included five sections: sociodemographic and general medical data, gynecological and obstetric data, lifestyle and special habits, and PMSs. Results PMS was found in 59.7% of those students. Statistically significant associations were found between lifestyle risk factors and presence and severity of PMS, and PMS was found to result in significant interference with daily life. Conclusion PMS is a common disorder among medical students that adversely affects their quality of life.