Childhood Maltreatment Profiles and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) among Female Adolescents in Nigeria: A Latent Class Analysis

Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorders [PMDD] often emerge during adolescence and cause significant impairment to female adolescents. While studies have examined the relationship between child maltreatment [CM] and PMDD symptoms among women, studies with adolescents are scarce, particularly in Nigeria. Objectives: The association between CM profiles and PMDD symptoms, depression and anxiety symptoms, suicidal ideation and social support was examined. Participants and Settings: A school-based sample of 296 female adolescents [aged 10-22 years old] was enrolled in 11 local government areas within the Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. Methods: Self-report data from the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire [CTQ], Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Scale modified for adolescents (PSST-A), and validated measures of depression and anxiety symptoms, suicidal ideation, and social support were analyzed with a two-step latent class analysis approach [LCA]. Results: Three classes were identified: High Abuse Class 1 [N = 97], High Neglect Class [N = 41] and Limited Abuse Neglect Class [N = 158]. Membership in the High Abuse and High Neglect Classes was associated with greater odds of PMDD symptoms relative to the Limited Abuse/Neglect Class. Respondents inHigh Abuse Class and who screened positive for PMDD symptoms reported higher levels of suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety compared to those in High Neglect Class and Limited Abuse/Neglect Class. Additionally, among respondents classified in the High Abuse Class, screening positive for PMDD symptoms was associated with higher reported levels of child maltreatment. Respondents in the High Abuse Class had a lower level of social support than those in the High Neglect Class and Limited Abuse or Neglect Class. Conclusion: High exposure to abuse and neglect was associated with increased reporting of PMDD symptoms. Targeted interventions to reduce PMDD symptoms severity are critical to improving menstrual and reproductive health and overall quality of life among girls. Early identification of female adolescents with high exposure to childhood maltreatment may support timely intervention for those experiencing PMDD symptoms.