Premenstrual syndrome and its impact on quality of life: a comparative study of hostelites and day scholar medical students.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the impact of premenstrual syndrome on the quality of life of hostelites and day scholar students of Faisalabad Medical University. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Faisalabad Medical University, Pakistan. Period: September 2024 to March 2025. Methods: A total of 340 female students; 170 hostel residents and 170 day scholars experiencing regular menstrual cycles and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. Individuals with gynecological issues or a prior history of gynecological surgeries were excluded. Information was obtained via a self-completed printed survey consisting of 26 questions, each offering five responses. The WHOQOL-BREF scoring system was used to determine the effect of PMS on quality of life. It was rated on 5-point Likert scale. The WHOQOL-BREF scoring system was categorized as follows: Poor quality of life (scores 1-26); Fair quality of life (scores 27-52); Good quality of life (scores 53-78); Very good quality of life (scores 79-104); Excellent quality of life (scores 105-130). Results: PMS was found to be more severe in hostelites, resulting in significantly poorer quality of life, p<0.001. Hostelites reported significantly higher levels of dissatisfaction with their physical environment, transportation, health, personal relationships, living conditions, and leisure activities, with p<0.01 each. Satisfaction with health, personal relationships, and living conditions had a positive association with the outcome, with odds ratios of 1.40, 1.43, 1.66 and p-values of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.008, respectively. Conclusion: Results revealed poor quality of life due to premenstrual syndrome in hostelites as compared to day scholars.