Exploring the factors of premenstrual tension syndrome and their influence on academic performance among female university students in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Premenstrual tension (PMT) syndrome is a combination of a disruptive set of physical and emotional symptoms that women experience cyclically before the start of each menstrual period. It may impede day-to-day activities and can vary in severity.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the factors associated with PMT and explore their influences, along with family support, on the academic performance of female university students in Bangladesh.

DESIGN

This study used a cross-sectional design.

METHODS

This study is based on primary data collected from 765 female students of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. A well-structured questionnaire, having sociodemographic information, PMT rating scale, and APGAR family function scale. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, Monte Carlo approximation test, multivariable logistic regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed for data analysis.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that 115 (15.03%) respondents demonstrated significant PMT symptoms, of which 54% reported that PMT had an impact on their academic performance, and 67% reported experiencing physical issues. This study also found that family support negatively influences PMT (standardized path coefficient = -0.23). The SEM path analysis indicates that all hypothesized relationships are statistically significant at the 5% level, leading to the rejection of the corresponding null hypotheses. PMT is positively associated with academic performance and is statistically significant (β = 0.505, p < 0.001). Moreover, family support is positively related to academic performance, exhibiting a weak but significant effect (β = 0.083, p = 0.045). Students with PMT were 53% less likely to belong to lower dysfunctional families (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.66, p < 0.01). Students with chronic illnesses were less likely to belong to lower dysfunctional families (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33-0.87).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that strong family support can help alleviate PMT, potentially benefiting students' academic performance. PMT is also associated with family dysfunction and chronic illness. Overall, family care and health awareness play an important role in supporting students' academic success and overall well-being.