RESUMEN
This study aimed to evaluate the pattern and correlates of premenstrual symptomatology amongst Nigerian female undergraduates. Female University students (n = 409) completed questionnaires detailing sociodemographic, menstruation/gynecological history and personality traits. They were then rated with a checklist for premenstrual symptoms. The most frequent premenstrual symptoms were 'breast tenderness' (35.5%), 'sleeplessness' (15.6%), 'decreased interest in usual activities' (15.4%), 'lethargy/easy fatigability/lack of energy' (13.2%) and 'change in appetite' (13.2%). The prevalence of premenstrual symptomatology was 50.1% and the correlates of increasing premenstrual symptomatology included increasing age, increasing severity of menstrual pain, personality traits of neuroticism and agreeableness and increasing body mass index. Although the rate of premenstrual symptomatology in sub-Saharan African women was comparable with that in the western cultures, there may be cross-cultural differences in the pattern of presentation. Dysmenorrhoea and personality traits should be taken into consideration when planning and implementing effective strategy to manage perimenstrual problems in this region.
Asunto(s)
Comparación Transcultural , Países en Desarrollo , Síndrome Premenstrual/etnología , Estudiantes/psicología , Adolescente , Carácter , Femenino , Humanos , Nigeria , Inventario de Personalidad/estadística & datos numéricos , Síndrome Premenstrual/diagnóstico , Síndrome Premenstrual/psicología , Psicometría , Valores Sociales , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The study assessed first year students in a Nigerian university (n = 409) for dysmenorrhea. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 53.3% and most students experienced pain at onset of menses. About half of the students reported that menstrual pain interferes with their normal daily activity. The independent predictors of dysmenorhea were longer days of menstrual flow, younger age at menarche and lower scores on extraversion scale. College health-care providers should screen routinely for dysmenorrhea among students and offer treatment. As dysmenorrhea reportedly affects school performance and attendance, more attention should be devoted to providing health education on this topic to students.
Asunto(s)
Dismenorrea/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Nigeria/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Estudiantes , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
AIMS: To estimate the 12-month prevalence of DSM-IV-specific anxiety disorders among Nigerian secondary school adolescents aged 13-18 years. METHOD: A representative sample of adolescents (n=1090) from senior secondary schools in a semi-urban town in Nigeria was assessed for the 12-month prevalence of DSM-IV-specific anxiety. RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence for all anxiety disorders was 15.0% (females=19.6%; males=11.4%). There were significant gender differences in the prevalence for all anxiety disorders (P<0.001; OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.35-2.65) and social anxiety disorder (P=0.035; OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.03-3.19) and significant age difference in the prevalence of separation anxiety disorder (P=0.045; OR 2.43, 95% CI 0.99-5.96). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anxiety disorders in Nigerian secondary school adolescents was comparable to the rates found in the western world. Health policies must integrate adolescents' anxiety as a disorder of public health significance. Further studies are needed to evaluate the factors associated with anxiety disorders amongst adolescents in this region.