Prevalence, Impact and Management Practice of Dysmenorrhea among Female Students of Hadhramout University

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation) is one of the most common gynecological complaints among women of childbearing age that affects daily activities and quality of life. This study aims to assess the prevalence, impact and management practice of dysmenorrhea among female students of Hadhramout University in the period between 1^st October 2017-31^th March 2018. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 295 Yemeni female students at Hadhramout University. Data was collected by interview using a structured pre tested questionnaire. The results showed that, the mean age of participants was 21.8 ± 1.73 years. The majority (88.1%) of them were single. The mean age of menarche being 13.3 ± 1.42 years and a bout (67.1% ) of them had regular menstrual pattern. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female students was (84.7 %). The impact of dysmenorrhea appears in the majority of participants (91.2%), only (16%) consulted the doctor, and the rest took it as a normal course of events during menstruation with self- management (61.2%). The management practices of female university students to treat dysmenorrhea were mostly non-drug solutions and traditional medicine (43.6%). There is high prevalence of dysmenorrhea among the female students of Hadhramout university and had a significant impact in their daily physical activity and academic performance. Findings suggest that adolescent girls should be educated about proper and effective management of dysmenorrhea.