--- title: How common are PMS and PMDD among female university students in Western Uganda, and what raises the risk? description: Very common: about 3 in 4 students had a premenstrual disorder, with PMS more common than PMDD. Certain groups, like those in Allied Health Sciences, Muslim s url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-disorders-their-severity-patterns-and-predictors-among-female-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How common are PMS and PMDD among female university students in Western Uganda, and what raises the risk? Survey study, 2025 # How common are PMS and PMDD among female university students in Western Uganda, and what raises the risk? Very common: about 3 in 4 students had a premenstrual disorder, with PMS more common than PMDD. Certain groups, like those in Allied Health Sciences, Muslim students, drug users, and those with past traumatic events, had higher odds of a disorder. Early or limited evidence 453 female university students in Western Uganda ## What they did Cross-sectional survey of 453 female university students at Kampala International University, Western Campus (December 2024 to March 2025), using a validated screening questionnaire (PSST). Researchers used statistical models to find factors linked to having a premenstrual disorder. ## What they found 75.9% of participants met criteria for a premenstrual disorder. PMS accounted for 46.3% and PMDD for 29.6% of the sample. Among PMS cases, 52.8% were moderate, 36.2% mild, and 11.0% severe. Being in Allied Health Sciences (aOR 4.25), Muslim religion (aOR 2.79), drug use (aOR 2.44), and history of traumatic events (aOR 2.24) were independently linked to higher odds of a premenstrual disorder. ## What it means for you A large share of these students live with PMS or PMDD, often moderate in severity, and certain life experiences (like trauma or drug use) seem linked to higher risk. The study only looked at one point in time and one university, so it cannot prove cause and effect and may not apply elsewhere. 75.9% Had a premenstrual disorder 29.6% PMDD prevalence 46.3% PMS prevalence ## About the study Original title Premenstrual Disorders, Their Severity Patterns, and Predictors Among Female University Students in Western Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study Authors Nzambimana M, Okurut E, Ishimwe MPS et al. Journal Health science reports Year 2025 Study design Survey study Participants 453 Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.71538](https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.71538) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual disorders (PMDs), including premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), are common menstrual-related conditions that significantly impact the quality of life and academic performance of young women. This study aimed to determine their burden and predictors among female university students in Western Uganda. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study (December 2024-March 2025) at Kampala International University, Western Campus using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). The PSST comprises symptom items and functional-impairment items with validated diagnostic cut-offs for PMDD and for moderate-to-severe PMS. We performed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of PMDs, reporting adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 453 participants were enrolled. Overall, 75.9% met PSST diagnostic criteria for a PMD. PMS accounted for 46.3% and PMDD for 29.6% of the sample. Among PMS cases, moderate severity predominated (52.8%), followed by mild (36.2%) and severe (11.0%) categories. Independent predictors of PMDs included enrollment in the School of Allied Health Sciences (aOR = 4.25, 95% CI 1.00-18.03, p = 0.050), Muslim religion (aOR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.19-6.54, p = 0.020), drug use (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.13-5.26, p = 0.024), and history of traumatic events (aOR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.07-4.70, p = 0.031). Conclusions: This study demonstrates a substantial burden of PMDs among female university students, with a predominance of moderate symptom severity. These findings support the need for screening and intervention programs within university settings. Targeted psychosocial support, stress-management strategies, and menstrual health services may mitigate the academic and emotional consequences of PMDs. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2025 How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling? Lab study, 2026 Do core stability exercises help women with PMDD? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2026 How common is PMDD among college women and what increases the risk? Review, 2026 How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life? Survey study, 2025 How common is PMDD among female medical students in Vietnam? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗