Associated Factors with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder among Undergraduate Medical Students of a Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome in women which adversely affects social, academic, or work performance. The mechanisms underlying PMDD are still insufficiently known, the findings indicate a multifactorial genesis. Prevalence data of PMDD and its potential associated risk factors is sparse in Nepal. This study aimed to determine the associated factors with PMDD among undergraduate medical students of a teaching hospital in Nepal.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among unmarried female medical students at KIST medical college and teaching hospital from 1^st June to 30^th July, 2023. Students were assigned from each of the four MBBS years (First, Second, Third, and Final) through random sampling till the desired sample size was achieved. Questionnaires about socio-demographic, menstrual, lifestyle variables and questionnaire for diagnosis of PMDD were administered. PMDD was diagnosed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – fifth edition (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Data Analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Data calculated as frequencies, mean, standard deviation and chi square test, independent t test with p-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of PMDD according to DSM-V criteria was 41 (36.28%). PMDD was significantly associated with dysmenorrhea (P=0.030) and with intake of caffeinated beverages (P=0.034).

Conclusion: PMDD is prevalent among medical students in Nepal. The potential associated risk factors are dysmenorrhea and intake of caffeinated beverages.