Journal of Rehman Medical Institute
Risk of backache during premenstrual syndrome and its association with behavior changes among female medical students in Islamabad, Pakistan
By Naveed Arshad, Maria Tariq, Ayesha Javed and 3 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Premenstrual syndrome is the integration of both physical as well as behavioral symptoms that take place before a woman’s period usually after the period of ovulation and ends with menstruation.
Objective
To evaluate the risk of low backache during premenstrual syndrome and its association with behavior changes among female medical students. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 235 female MBBS students aged 18–24 years at Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Pakistan, between November 2024 and January 2025. The students’ experience with backache and behavioral changes with premenstrual syndrome were analyzed. Low backache risk was stratified using the STarT Back Tool, and behavioral disruptions were evaluated using an adapted Behavior Rating Scale (BRS). Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, one-way ANOVA, and Spearman rank correlation (ρ).