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 2017-31th 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.