Survey study, 2008
How common is PMDD in African women and what factors are linked to it?
6.1% of Nigerian university students had PMDD. It was strongly linked to depression (17 times more likely), anxiety, panic disorder, painful periods, and a personality trait called neuroticism.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 410 female university students in Nigeria. They completed questionnaires about demographics, menstruation, personality (Big Five Inventory), and mental health (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview).
What they found
6.1% met PMDD criteria. Linked to older age (p=0.001), painful menstruation (p=0.006), and high neuroticism (p=0.019). Women with PMDD had much higher rates of dysthymia (odds ratio 3.82), major depression (OR 17.00), panic disorder (OR 4.39), and generalized anxiety (OR 1.21).
What it means for you
PMDD rate in African women is similar to Western countries. Strong links to mood and anxiety disorders, and the personality trait of neuroticism. Single country study of young women only; may not represent all African women.
6.1%
PMDD prevalence
OR 17.00
depression risk
OR 4.39
panic disorder risk
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder amongst Nigerian university students: prevalence, comorbid conditions, and correlates
- Authors
- Adewuya AO, Loto OM, Adewumi TA
- Journal
- Archives of women's mental health
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 410
- What was tested
- None; observational study using questionnaires.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00737-008-0213-4
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