How many Egyptian women have PMDD and what do they know about it?

Objectives To assess the prevalence of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Egyptian females. Methods This study used a cross-sectional, descriptive design to collect data from a gynecological outpatient clinic at Al-Azhar University Hospital in Damietta and the Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty Center in Mansoura University Hospital. The study was conducted from April 2022 to August 2022. A self-administered questionnaire and screening tools were used for data collection. The tools used were the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), attitudes and practices related to PMDD care. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conductedto predict PMDD knowledge. Results & Discussion The prevalence of PMDD was 10% among the 150 women who agreed to participate in this study. About 47% (n = 70) of the women had good PMDD knowledge. High educational level was a significant predictor of knowledge about PMDD. The majority of females (98%) believed that PMDD awareness is essential and that PMDD symptoms are caused by life stressors. Around half of the women who are diagnosed with PMDD (47.0% of the 10% of those diagnosed with PMDD) reported discussing the disorder with family members, and about one-third thought that this conversation was extremely beneficial. Husbands and friends were the most common source of social support (42.9%). Only 20% discussed the issue with a doctor, majority of who(66.7%) were psychiatrists. Conclusion PMDD is prevalent among Egyptian females; however, they have adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward PMDD. There is a need to establish a maternal mental consultation at the reproductive and maternal health care unit to prevent and promote mental well-being and contact with PMDD and similar female mental problems. Synopsis The majority of the participants reported having adequate knowledge of PMDD and a positive attitude toward the significance of raising awareness of it. The significant predictor of PMDD knowledge was university education. Talking to family and friends was useful to overcome the symptoms of PMDD.

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