Proportion, Risk Factors and the Impact of Dysmenorrhea among Girls

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is the leading cause of recurrent short-term school absence in adolescent girls and a common problem in women of reproductive age. There are many factors related to this disorder which include a younger age, low body mass index (BMI), smoking, early menarche, and prolonged menstrual flow. Objectives: (1) To find the proportion of dysmenorrhea among girls of a nursing college; (2) To find out the risk factors and impact of dysmenorrhea.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2011 to April 2012 at Nursing College, VIMS, Bellary, Karnataka. Data were collected by a pre-tested and pre-designed semi-structured pro forma. The study was performed on a total of 196 students who agreed to participate and present at the time of study. Analysis was done by using Epi-info version 3.4.3.

Results: The average age of the study group was 19.3+1.8 years (range 17–30). Proportion of dysmenorrhea was found to be 77% and was significantly higher in females with positive family history of dysmenorrhea when compared to the others (P<0.05), who had early age of menarche, irregular cycle, increased amount of flow, gynecological problems and lack exercise had high rate of dysmenorrhea compared to others but statistically it was not significant. In this study, because of dysmenorrhea 20.5% had class absenteeism, 23.2% college absenteeism, 44.4% had poor concentration, 31.8% were depressed, 53% were irritable and 2.6% had suicidal tendencies.

Conclusion and Recommendation: There was a high proportion of dysmenorrhea and also girls were very much worried about it. There is a need to educate them about causes, treatment and also to cope with stress at the time of menstrual cycle.