How aware are female students of PMDD and how does it affect their schoolwork?

Background: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that can significantly impair emotional stability, cognitive functioning, and overall wellbeing among women. Despite its impact, awareness and open communication about PMDD remain limited, particularly among female students, thereby affecting their academic performance. Objective: This study examined the influence of health communication in reducing the effects of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder on the academic performance of female students aged 15 to 39 years in Enugu State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised female students of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Success Base Secondary School, and Divine Apple Seed Secondary school Enugu. A sample size of 384 was determined using the Cochran’s formula. A multistage sampling technique was employed to ensure proportional representation across the selected institutions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by experts, and its reliability was established through a pilot study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, and results were presented in tables. Results: Findings revealed a low level of awareness of PMDD and its management among female students in selected Institutions. The study also found that students exhibit poor attitudes and perceptions towards the disorder and they have to a large extent not discussed PMDD-related issues with their teachers. Furthermore, PMDD symptoms were found to negatively affect students’ academic performance, particularly their ability to concentrate during lessons. The school environment emerged as the most preferred medium through which students’ access PMDD-related information. Conclusion: The study concludes that inadequate health communication contributes significantly to poor awareness and open communication around PMDD among female students, thereby adversely affecting their academic performance. Unique Contribution: This study provides empirical insight into the critical role of targeted health communication in addressing reproductive health challenges among female students, highlighting the gap between information access and behavioral outcomes. Key Recommendation: It is recommended that educational stakeholders collaborate with media institutions to enhance accurate and consistent portrayal of PMDD in media content, while also integrating school-based health communication programmes to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and promote open discussions about the disorder.

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