Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome is used to describe physical, cognitive, affective, and behavioural symptoms that occur
cyclically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolve quickly at or within a few days of the onset of
menstruation. This study determined the prevalence, knowledge, attitude and effects of premenstrual syndrome
among female medical students (18-35 years) at Kampala International University, western campus. This was an
institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study involving female medical students. Data were edited, coded and
entered into the computer and analyzed using SPSS v.20. Descriptive data was Presented inform from tables and pie
charts. Out of the 100 respondents in the study, the majority (65.0%) were aged 18-24 years, 79.0% were married,
45.0% had a monthly income of 100,000-200,000/= and 93.0% did not smoke. The prevalence of premenstrual
syndrome was found to be 21.0% in the study. According to the study, only 47.0% of the participants had ever heard
about premenstrual syndrome, 28.0% reported having ever experienced it, the majority (53.0%) said premenstrual
syndrome is experienced a week after, 67.0% said all females are affected by premenstrual syndrome, 19.0% said it
has interfered with their duties, 74.0% said it’s a normal experience and majority (47.0%) said they use oral
contraceptives to treat it. The study further established that the majority (80.0%) reported that PMS/menstrual
leave should be an option at university, 84.0% said PMS/menstrual leave should be an option at work place, only
23.0% would talk to their parents/spouse about premenstrual syndrome, 17.0% would consult a doctor for checkup
of PMS and only 31.0% thought PMS is a significant issue to be discussed. Out of those who reported to have
experienced premenstrual syndrome (28),71.4% reported academic performance impairment of which frequent class
missing (50.0%) was the most common type of impairment and 80.0% reported to have scored less than boys due to
PMS. This study concludes that PMS is a widespread issue that considerably lowers women's quality of life. Despite
the increased awareness, there is still a sizable information gap regarding when patients should visit a doctor or seek
treatment for their symptoms