Prevalence, Impact, and Management Practice of Dysmenorrhea among University of Gondar Students, Northwestern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Dysmenorrhea is an important health problem of adolescents in school, as well as health practitioners, that badly affects the daily activities and quality of life. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and assess its management practice among University of Gondar students. Methods A cross-sectional study was done from April 06 to May 08, 2016, on female students of University of Gondar. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were used to describe and assess the association between different variables. Results More than two-thirds (75.3%) of the respondents were nonmedical students and the prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 77.6%. About half (50.6%) of the participants reported that they have a family history of dysmenorrhea and experienced continuous type of pain (53%) which lasts 1-2 days (47.8%). Abdominal spasm (70.4%), back pain (69.7%) fatigue, and weakness (63.5%) were the most commonly experienced dysmenorrhea symptoms. More than half (63%) of the respondents had encountered social withdrawal and decrease in academic performance (51.4%). More than two-thirds (63.8%) of the respondents use home remedies as a primary management option. Ibuprofen and diclofenac were the most commonly used medications to manage dysmenorrhea. Conclusions The present study revealed that high proportion of University of Gondar female students had dysmenorrhea. Findings suggest the need for educating adolescent girls on appropriate and effective management of dysmenorrhea.

Prevalence of dysmenorrhoea and its effect on quality of life among nursing students

“…21 In Minaleshewa Biruk et al, 62% participants had duration of flow of 3-4 days. 20 In Alaettin Unsal et al, duration of flow was <6 days in 68.7% and ≥7 days 31.3%. 13 Blood loss per cycle assessed by number of pads used per cycle and found to be use of ≤5 pads in 6%, 6-10 pads in 48%, 11-15 pads in 33%, 16-20 pads in 8% and >20 pads in 5% participants.…”

“…18,19 Prevalence of dysmenorrhoea in the present study was 79% which was in agreement with Prevalence rate reported by study from Gondar University, Private University in Ogun state and Alaettin Unsal et al, which were 77.6%, 78.1% and 72.7%, respectively. 13,20,21 In Shrotriya Charu et el the prevalence was 67%. Mild degree of dysmenorrhoea reported in 58% cases, moderate and severe degree were reported in 18 and 3 % of cases respectively.…”

Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and its relationship with body mass index

“…These results are in line with previous studies which highlight that educational performance of most of dysmenorrhic females (60.4%) is affected due to class absentees, loss of concentration, lack of focus in exams and inability to do homework . Moreover, Minaleshewa et al .. observed that 63% of their PD respondents encountered social withdrawal and 51.4% showed decrease in academic performance …”

“…A briefing of half an hour was given to the students for the explanation of the DQ and numeric pain relating scale (NPRS). DQ was designed by the authors based on some related previous studies . It included the history of dysmenorrhea and various characteristics of pain including (location, character, first experience, pain length, associated autonomic reactions and relieving factors).…”

“…Primary dysmenorrhea is the most prevalent menstrual problem in young females, which affects their daily activities and quality of life . It is also considered to be the most common cause of school absenteeism in young females . A review by Hong et al .…”