Impact of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Premenstrual Syndrome Among Female University Students in Quetta, Pakistan: A Quasi-Experimental Pre–Post Study

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a highly prevalent yet frequently under-recognised condition affecting women of reproductive age. In Pakistan, awareness of PMS — particularly its clinical criteria, risk factors, and evidence-based management — remains markedly limited among young women. This study evaluated the effect of a structured educational intervention on PMS-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among female university students in Quetta, Balochistan.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study was conducted at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University from March to November 2024 (n = 382). A validated, self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge (30 items), attitude (6 items), and practice (8 items) before and after a single structured PowerPoint-based educational session. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention scores.

Results: The median knowledge score increased from 14.0 (IQR 10.0–18.0) to 26.0 (IQR 23.0–28.0), the attitude score from 20.0 to 24.0, and the practice score from 4.0 to 6.0. All improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Correct identification of PMS rose from 73.0% to 100%; awareness that PMS encompasses more than 200 symptoms improved from 14.1% to 95.8%. Treatment-seeking intent increased from 40.1% to 48.2%, and family communication about PMS from 47.9% to 62.0%.

Conclusions: A single, structured educational session produced substantial and statistically significant improvements in PMS-related KAP. Scalable health education programmes targeting university-age women in low-resource settings are warranted.