Lifestyle Risk Factors and Occurrence of Primary Dysmenorrhea among Adolescents: Suggested Guidelines

Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD), a painful menstrual flow without any pelvic disease, is characterized by spasmodic discomfort that is primarily felt in the lower abdomen. Major contributing factors that up the severity of primary dysmenorrhea are lifestyle choices. Aim: It was 3 folds: (1) assess the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea among adolescents, (2) explore the effects of specific lifestyle variables on the occurrence and severity of primary dysmenorrhea, and (3) design suggested guidelines to avoid occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea. Design: A cross sectional study was utilized. Sample: a convenience sample of 200 adolescents was recruited. Setting: Faculty Of Nursing, Mansoura University Egypt, Tools: Three tools were utilized to collect data; 1) Interviewing Questionnaire schedule, 2) dysmenorrhea assessment scale and 3) Lifestyle risk factors assessment questionnaire. Results: the mean age of adolescent was 21.3±1.34 years with 91% of them had primary dysmenorrhea. There was statistical significant relation between occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea and academic level, age at menarche, daily activities, skipping breakfast, type of food, amount of fast food, drink caffeine, number of cups of water per day, physical activities (p<0.05). Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is found to be highly prevalent among adolescent. There was a correlation between life style risk factors and the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent as daily activities, skipping breakfast, type of food, number of fast food, drink caffeine, number of cups of water per day, physical activities (p<0.05). Recommendations: Ongoing health education programs must be offered by nurses to adolescents that will consequently enhance their knowledge and practices that reduce the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea and improve their health status.