# Premenstrual Disorders, Their Severity Patterns, and Predictors Among Female University Students in Western Uganda: A Cross‐Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that most female university students in Western Uganda experience premenstrual disorders, with moderate severity being most common, and identifies factors like religion and trauma history as predictors.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and predictors of premenstrual disorders among university students in Uganda.

## Key findings

- 75.9% of participants met criteria for premenstrual disorders, with 46.3% having PMS and 29.6% PMDD.
- Moderate severity PMS was most common, followed by mild and severe cases.
- Predictors included being in Allied Health Sciences, being Muslim, drug use, and traumatic event history.

## Abstract

Premenstrual disorders (PMDs), including premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), are common menstrual‐related conditions that significantly impact the quality of life and academic performance of young women. This study aimed to determine their burden and predictors among female university students in Western Uganda.

We conducted a cross‐sectional study (December 2024–March 2025) at Kampala International University, Western Campus using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). The PSST comprises symptom items and functional‐impairment items with validated diagnostic cut‐offs for PMDD and for moderate‐to‐severe PMS. We performed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of PMDs, reporting adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

A total of 453 participants were enrolled. Overall, 75.9% met PSST diagnostic criteria for a PMD. PMS accounted for 46.3% and PMDD for 29.6% of the sample. Among PMS cases, moderate severity predominated (52.8%), followed by mild (36.2%) and severe (11.0%) categories. Independent predictors of PMDs included enrollment in the School of Allied Health Sciences (aOR = 4.25, 95% CI 1.00–18.03, p = 0.050), Muslim religion (aOR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.19–6.54, p = 0.020), drug use (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.13–5.26, p = 0.024), and history of traumatic events (aOR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.07–4.70, p = 0.031).

This study demonstrates a substantial burden of PMDs among female university students, with a predominance of moderate symptom severity. These findings support the need for screening and intervention programs within university settings. Targeted psychosocial support, stress‐management strategies, and menstrual health services may mitigate the academic and emotional consequences of PMDs.