KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES RELATED TO PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER AMONG FEMALES: EVIDENCE FROM LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to PMDD among females in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 220 females attending gynecological outpatient wards at Jinnah Hospital and Lady Wallingdon Hospital, Lahore. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. PMDD was screened using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to PMDD were assessed, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of adequate knowledge. Results: The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among the studied females was 10%, and 52% demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding PMDD. Multivariate logistic regression showed that females with university-level education were significantly more likely to have adequate PMDD knowledge (AOR = 14.62; 95% CI: 5.84–36.58; p < 0.001), while attitudes were largely positive but professional help-seeking practices remained limited. Conclusion: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is relatively common among females in Lahore, and although knowledge and attitudes are generally positive, limited professional help-seeking underscores the need for integrated PMDD education and mental health services within gynecological care.