A Cross-Sectional Study on Dysmenorrhea and Its Associated Symptoms in Students of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea a painful menstruation is a common symptom among young females. Prevalence varies from 16.8% to 81.0 %. It is associated with various non-specific symptoms. This study aimed to find out the prevalence, and associated symptoms along with other factors like positive family history, menarche and the impact on academic performance due to dysmenorrhea.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytical study done at the Department of Physiology, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Chaukot, Nepal from 1^st May 2022 to 31^st June 2022. A questionnaire-based study was done on socio-demographic factors, associated symptoms, pain grading using a Visual Analog Scale and impact on working ability by a Multidimensional Scoring System(MSS). Chi-square test and independent sample t-test were applied.

Results: Out of 184, 129 (70.1%) reported to have dysmenorrhea. Associated symptoms included lethargy and tiredness (79.8%), back pain (74.4%), irritability (71.3%), mood swings (65.1%) and appetite change (55.8%). Compared to those without dysmenorrhea, girls with dysmenorrhea had less number of female siblings, positive family history, irregular cycle, early age of menarche and lack of knowledge of menstruation before menarche. The average duration of pain was 1.8± 0.6 days. The average of academic days lost was 0.8± 0.3 days. Of those with dysmenorrhea, 68.2% do nothing about it, 23.3% take bed rest, 9.3% take some form of analgesics and 3.1% seek medical consultation.

Conclusions: Dysmenorrhea is a common symptom in young females leading to a loss in academic attendance.