Prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhoea among medical students: a cross sectional study

ABSTRACT

Dysmenorrhoea is recognized as the most common gynecoiogical complaint which affects most of the females and adolescents. Dysmenorrhoea not only affects the daily routine activities but it has profound effect on quality of life of students. To determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, its severity among medical students and its effects on college/class absenteeism of students. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted on 100 female medical students. Young unmarried undergraduate female medical students between the ages of 18-22 years were included in this study. All participants were given a questionnaire to complete. Questions were related to age of the students, age of menarche, length of menstrual cycle, duration of menstrual flow, dysmenorrhoea and its severity and absenteeism from college and/or class due to dysmenorrhoea. To detect the severity of dysmenorrhea we used the verbal multi-dimensional scoring system. Participants were given 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire. Mean age of students was found to be 21 years with SD +/- 1.7. Mean age of menarche among the students was found to be 13 years with SD +/- 0.8. Mean length of menstrual cycle was found to be 29 days SD +/- 2.1. The average duration between two periods and the duration of menstrual flow were 28.34 days SD +/- 7.54 and 4.5 days SD +/- 2.45 respectively. Regarding dysmenorrhoea 78% of the students complained of dysmenorthoea while 22% did not have this complaint. Regarding severity 46% had mild dysmenorrhoea, 19% had moderate dysrnenorrhoea and 13% had severe dysmenorrhoea. Among female medical students who reported dysmenorrhe a 21% were frequently missing classes. Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among female medical students; it is related to college/class absenteeism, limitations on social, academic, sports and daily activities. A few of the students consult physician for the problem and many adopt self-medication with over the-counter medicines or home remedies.