Abstract
Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of excruciating psychological and behavioral symptoms with or without physical (somatic) symptoms that are not caused by organic disease. PMS is associated with women's menstrual cycle specifically throughout the luteal phase. Aim: This study aimed to measure the prevalence of PMS among medical students, its effect on the quality of life, and the contributing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female medical students at King Faisal University, AlAhssa, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic, gynecologic, and obstetric history including the presence of chronic diseases, body mass index, contraception use, and duration of usage; moreover, evaluation of the severity of PMS symptoms, their impact on the quality of life, and lifestyle behaviors. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 258 medical students were recruited with 20-23 years old was the dominant age group. The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome was 23.3%. Of them, 11.2% were moderate and 12.5% were severe to extremely severe which is defined as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). In a multivariate regression model, pain killers and high salt intake were the independent significant predictors of the increased risk of PMS, while older age at men arche, being single and overweight/obese were the independent significant predictors of the decreased risk of PMS. Conclusion: The presence of PMS among medical students on our campus was not widely prevalent. Abdominal cramps, back pain, weight gain, depressed mood, and anger were the most reported symptoms of PMS.Y