Abstract
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and its severe form the Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) constitute a noticeable health problem in young girls worldwide, which can adversely affect their life. However, researches on PMS/PMDD in Saudi Arabia, particularly the Northern zone are lacking. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determinants of PMS/PMDD and their impact on academic performance, social relationships, and Quality of Life (QOL) of female students in the Northern Border University. This cross-sectional study was conducted on female students at the Northern Border University, Arar City. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual data, academic activities and interpersonal relationships. PMS was evaluated using the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) diagnostic criteria for PMS. Screening for PMDD was carried out using the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition. QOL of the University students was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life- BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). The study recruited 496 female students. Of these, 68.8% and 29% had PMS and PMDD, respectively. PMSs were likely in medical students (P=0.001), those with positive family history of premenstrual symptoms (P<0.001), limited physical activity (P=0.01), unemployed mothers (P=0.001) and dysmenorrhea (P<0.001). PMS/PMDD students were more likely to report poor quality of life (p=0.02) and unsatisfactory health status (P=0.03). PMDD students had lowered physical health (P<0.001) and psychological health (P=0.006) scores compared to PMS students. PMS/PMDD associated with inadequate educational activities and poor interpersonal relationships. Premenstrual syndromes (PMSs) are common health problems in University students. PMSs were associated with positive family history of premenstrual symptoms, limited physical activity, dysmenorrhea and medical colleges. PMSs associated with poor educational activities, social relationships and unsatisfactory QOL.