Prevalence of dysmenorrhea in young women [16-25 years]: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of dysmenorrhea among women in the 16-25 age groups in Ajman. A cross-sectional survey was done in 300 female students from two universities in Ajman United Arab Emirates. The data was collected using a pilot tested, self administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the SPSS-19 and is presented mainly as tables and graphs. To verify associations the Chi square test was done. The study found that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among women within the age group of 16-25 years was 75%. Females with heavy menstrual flow with clots have higher prevalence of dysmenorrhea [91.7%] than women with slight and moderate menstrual flow [69.7%]. The most common symptoms reported by females suffering from dysmenorrhea are mild fatigue, moderate cramps, moderate back pain and mild premenstrual tension. Most common remedies taken for dysmenorrhea were taking rest [13%] and taking over the counter painkillers [41%]. The frequency of dysmenorrhea among women of age group 16-25 was high with three fourth of the study subjects reporting dysmenorrhea. Most common symptoms suffered were cramps followed by back pain and fatigue. Mostly dysmenorrhea was managed with over the counter pain killers