Primary dysmenorrhea magnitude, associated risk factors, and its effect on academic performance: evidence from female university students in Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundPrimary dysmenorrhea (PD) is the most common gynecologic compliant among adolescent females. There is a wide variation in the estimate of PD, which ranges from 50% to 90%, and the disorder is the most common cause of work and school absenteeism in adolescent females.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of PD among female university students and understand its effects on students’ academic performance.MethodsA cross-sectional study was employed in 440 research participants. A multistage stratified sampling technique was employed to select the study units. Structured and pretested self-administered questionnaires were used and weight and height measurements were conducted. The severity of dysmenorrheal pain was assessed by using a verbal multidimensional scoring system and visual analog scale. The data were double entered in Epi Info version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 17. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were performed.ResultsA total of 440 students participated in this study. The prevalence of PD was 368 (85.4%). Of these, 123 (28.5%) had mild, 164 (38.1%) moderate, and 81 (18.8%) severe primary dysmenorrheal pain. Among students with PD, 88.3% reported that PD had a negative effect on their academic performance. Of these, 80% reported school absence, 66.8% reported loss of class concentration, 56.3% reported class absence, 47.4% reported loss of class participation, 37.8% reported limited sport participation, 31.7% reported limitation in going out with friends, and 21% reported inability to do homework. Based on the multivariate logistic regression, PD was statistically significant with those who had lower monthly stipends, a history of attempt to lose weight, a history of depression or anxiety, disruption of social network of family, friends or people they love, who consumed more than four glasses of tea per day, who drunk one or more Coca-Cola or Pepsi per day, in nullipara, and students with a family history of dysmenorrhea.ConclusionPD is more prevalent among female students attending university. It has a significant negative impact on students’ academic performance. Thus, it needs medical attention. There are various identified associated risk factors and considering them in the management of the disorder is fundamental. It is also wise to recommend future studies to better identify risk factors for PD and lighten its effect on students’ academic performance at a larger scale in the country.

Associated Factors and Outcomes of Dysmenorrhea Among Female Nursing Students at King Abdulaziz University

“…Furthermore, the present study did not find a statistical significance between dysmenorrhea and a family history of dysmenorrhea. This finding is in line with Al-Jefout et al's study [24], but differs from another study, which found that a family history of dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with dysmenorrhea [6,10,25]. However, more than one quarter of nursing students in the present study reported a family history of dysmenorrhea.…”

“…Ranges of associated factors for dysmenorrhea have been identified in the literature of Ju et al and show inconclusive results [4]. In general, dysmenorrhea has associations with age, [5] coffee consumption, [6] body mass index (BMI), [7] skipping breakfast, [8] exercise habits, [9] sleep duration, [7] education specialty, [8] physical activity, a young age at menarche, [10] family history of dysmenorrhea, [11,10,6] depression and stress [9]. Despite the identification of this range of associated factors for dysmenorrhea, the research studies shows conflicting results [4].…”

Dysmenorrhea Characteristics and Self-Care Method used among Female Nursing Students at King Abdulaziz University

“…It is worth mentioning that in the current study, menstrual pain inhibited the daily living activities of the majority of the students. This confirmed that dysmenorrhoea pain negatively affected their ability to perform normal daily activities [8,13].…”

Association between cigarette smoking and the risk of dysmenorrhea: A meta-analysis of observational studies

“…Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynaecological disorder worldwide, with a prevalence ranging from 50% to 90% according to different countries [1][2][3][4]. The pelvic or lower abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of dysmenorrhea, which usually lasts for three days from the beginning of menstruation.…”