ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Primary dysmenorrhea affects 60% of adolescent girls between 14 and 19 years of age and higher rates of depression and absenteeism are found in these young women. Having developed a sense of coherence (SOC) protects against depression associated with and improves the experience of primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of the study was to describe the association between primary dysmenorrhea and SOC. MéTHODS: A multicentric and cross-sectional study was performed on 247 high school girls from Finistère (France). RESULTS: Sixty point seven per cent of high school girls suffer from primary dysmenorrhea: average VAS greater than or equal to 4 out of 10 with an improvement in pain by analgesics if severe pain (greater than 7 out of 10) to eliminate secondary dysmenorrhea (3.6% suspected). Thirty five point six per cent do not present dysmenorrhea (VAS between 0 and 3). This study shows that having a high SOC reduces menstrual pain (P=0.014). The main treatments used are not those recommended by Clinical practice guidelines. DISCUSSION: Interventions based on Comprehensive Sexuality Education, medical consultations respecting salutogenic model would provide a better quality of life for adolescent girls by promoting the development of psycho-social skills.
