Assessing the Impact of Premenstrual Syndrome on Physical, Academic and Psychosocial Well-being among Female Students at a Private University in Kenya

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition experienced by women worldwide. Nearly 75% of women in their reproductive age experience premenstrual syndrome symptoms with 3-8% experiencing severe symptoms that affect their day-to-day activities based on epidemiological studies. However, the precise impact of PMS is yet to be properly explored especially in the context of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In view of the above, we investigated the impact of PMS on the physical, academic, and psychosocial well-being of female students at Kabarak University, Kenya. A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the experiences of female students with PMS. A sample of 316 participants was recruited, representing a response rate of 88.76% concerning the total sample size determined. Participants completed self-report questionnaires that assessed the occurrence of PMS symptoms, physical impacts, academic impacts, psychosocial impacts, and behavioral changes associated with PMS. The majority of the participants reported experiencing mood swings, irritability, abdominal bloating, food cravings, and appetite fluctuations which decreased their interest in daily activities, delayed submission of assignments, led to late registration of course units, social withdrawal, and increased food cravings. There was a statistically significant association between PMS and mood swings (p= 0.025) as well as a suggestive association with irritability (p = 0.06). The occurrence of PMS had a statistically significant association with decreased interest in routine activities (p = 0.006). In conclusion, the occurrence of PMS has numerous impacts on the physical, academic, and psychosocial lives of female students. We recommend the development or strengthening of targeted programs aimed at sensitizing relevant stakeholders on the impact of PMS and how any undesirable ramifications can be scaled down.