Correlates and self-management strategies of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among nursing students in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe premenstrual disorder characterized by distressing symptoms and significant impairments in personal, social and professional functioning. The study aimed to determine the magnitude of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and PMDD among nursing students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 135 consenting female nursing students (basic and post basic) at UDUTH, Sokoto State Nigeria was conducted. Participants were interviewed using Socio-demographic and reproductive questionnaire, and Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Questionnaire (PMSSQ). Diagnosis of PMS and PMDD were made using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4th revised edition (DSM IV). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20th. Premenstrual syndrome affected 76.3% of the participants while 42.2% had PMDD. Among the participants, 9.6% suggested appropriate self-management strategy. The frequently reported symptoms of PMDD among the participants were reduced interest in school activities (54.9%), difficulty in concentration (57.0%), excessive sleep (47.8%), breast tenderness (54.5%) and interference with daily activities (41.5%). PMS and PMDD was prevalent among the nursing students. Majority lack appropriate self-treatment strategy. This strongly suggest the need to further educate the students on the implication of the disorder and the need to seek for expert management in severe cases. Self-management of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) should be discouraged. Key words: Premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, nursing students.