Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Among Female Biomedical Students in Kabul, Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a significant public health concern affecting a substantial proportion of women worldwide, with a global prevalence of approximately 47.8%. In Afghanistan, the PMS is prevalent, and the magnitude is unknown. Due to a lack of studies, this is the first study that sheds light on prevalence of PMS.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the prevalence and symptoms of PMS among female students in Kabul, Afghanistan.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2024 on a sample of 285 students. A systematic and stratified random sampling method was employed. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26. The chi-square test was performed to assess the association between PMS prevalence and variables such as age and menstrual cycle status.

RESULTS

The study achieved a response rate of 84.91%. The participants' age distribution was 39.7% between 18-20 years, 57% between 21-25 years, and 3.3% above 25 years. Most participants were single (87.6%), and 76.9% reported having regular menstrual cycles. The prevalence of PMS was 72.3% based on ICD-10 criteria and 21.1% based on ACOG criteria. The chi-square test indicated no statistically significant association between age groups and PMS prevalence (p-value= 0.151), but significant relationship was observed between menstrual cycle regularity and PMS prevalence (p-value= 0.018). The most frequently reported symptoms were muscle, joint, and back pain (86.8%), fatigue (84.3%), and reduced interest in activities (77.3%).

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of PMS and its association with irregular menstrual cycles highlight the need for targeted awareness campaigns, culturally sensitive interventions, and improved healthcare access to mitigate its effects.