Physical Symptoms, Behavioral Effects and Remedial associated with Pre-menstrual Syndrome among Medical Students of Rawalpindi Medical University, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome and to compare the difference in physical symptoms and behavioral effects among medical students with and without premenstrual syndrome.

Study type, settings & duration: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done among 3^rd, 4^th and final year medical students of Rawalpindi Medical University during May 2020.   

Methodology: About 145 medical students up to 25 years with normal menstrual cycle since last 6 months were enrolled in the study through convenient sampling. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 25.0. and Microsoft Excel 2010.

Results: Mean age of 145 female medical students was 20.9±1.7 years. About 105 (72.4%) students experienced premenstrual syndrome. The difference in mean age of the students with and without premenstrual syndrome was statistically significant (p <0.003). The leading premenstrual symptoms among students were irritability, anger outburst, depression, skin problems, breast tenderness, gastrointestinal problems and abdominal swelling. Social withdrawal among students was also significantly attributed (p <0.05) to premenstrual syndrome. About 22.1% of the students took painkillers and 21.5% did not take any remedial measures.

Conclusion: Physical problems and disrupted social life were more frequently found in pre-menstrual period.