IMPACT OF LONELINESS AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT ON PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects women of reproductive years by reducing functionality. Limited research exists on psychosocial factors like loneliness and Perceived Social Support (PSS), especially for undergraduates in developing countries like Nigeria. Therefore, this study’s main objective is to investigate the impact of loneliness and perceived social support on premenstrual dysphoric disorder among female undergraduates. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design on the population of Lagos State University undergraduates. The sample size of 386 female participants was identified by convenience sampling with a 20.560 mean and 2.470 Standard Deviation. It used a questionnaire containing demographic information, the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool, the Multidimensional Scale of PSS, and the 8-item Loneliness Scale by the University of California, Los Angeles. The data was subjected to SPSS for statistical analysis to test one research question using frequency analysis and 3 hypotheses using regression. The significance criterion for testing the hypotheses was set at p<0.05. The results reflected a PMDD prevalence of 17.1. It reflected PSS as a non-significant predictor [R2 = .007, F(1,385) = 2.847, p> .05)] with coefficient B = -.043, while loneliness a significant predictor of PMDD [R2 = .016, F(1, 385) = 6.337, p<0.05)] with coefficient B = .06. It indicated loneliness and PSS as significant joint predictors of PMDD [F(2, 383) = 3.69, p <0.05], )] with coefficient B = .055 for loneliness and coefficient B = -.027 for PSS. PMDD affects female undergraduates at Lagos State University, with loneliness identified as a predictor. Reducing loneliness may lower PMDD incidence, while higher PSS is linked to reduced risk. Both factors jointly influence PMDD, emphasizing the need for prevention strategies like support groups. Future studies should explore geographic and psychosocial variables like resilience.