Prevalence and associated factors of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among high school students in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
OverviewPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects roughly 3–9% of women of reproductive age and manifests as severe mood, behavioral, and physical symptoms tightly linked to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, distinguishing it from milder premenstrual syndrome (PMS).[1][2] Central to PMDD’s pathophysiology is an altered sensitivity of the central nervous system to normal fluctuations of […]
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and its associated factors among high school female students in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia. Using DSM-5 criteria and self-administered questionnaires, the study aimed to quantify PMDD prevalence and identify clinical, psychosocial, and menstrual-related predictors affecting this population’s mental health and academic performance.
Who was studied?
The research included 548 high school female students aged 15 to 22 years with regular menstrual cycles, excluding those with serious illness or recent school transfers. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing PMDD symptoms, depression, perceived stress, social support, menstrual characteristics, and behavioral factors such as substance use.
What were the most important findings?
The study found a high PMDD prevalence (33%), with physical symptoms like breast tenderness and fatigue being most common. Key factors significantly associated with PMDD included irregular menstrual cycles, depressive symptoms, longer menstruation duration, and high perceived stress. PMDD significantly impacted academic performance, social functioning, and psychological well-being. The findings aligned with prior Ethiopian and African studies but were higher than reports from developed countries, possibly reflecting sociocultural, infrastructural, and menstrual hygiene differences influencing symptom expression and health-seeking behaviors.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study highlights PMDD as a prevalent and underrecognized condition adversely affecting adolescent females’ mental health and educational outcomes in low-resource settings. It emphasizes the urgent need for early screening, stress reduction interventions, and targeted mental health support within primary healthcare and school systems. Addressing menstrual health education, improving hygiene management, and mitigating psychosocial stressors could reduce PMDD burden and improve quality of life. These insights guide clinicians and policymakers toward culturally sensitive, accessible strategies for PMDD diagnosis and management in similar populations.