The prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its effects on female university students- quality of life: what can we do in primary care?

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among Turkish university students studying in the field of health sciences and to evaluate the effects of the students- socio-demographic characteristics on the condition. A cross-sectional survey of 658 students was conducted by questionnaire at a health sciences university in Turkey. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on dysmenorrhea. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the generic 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and depressive symptoms were assessed with the BDI included in the survey. A visual analogue scale was used to assess the severity of dysmenorrhea. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 79.7% (524 out of 658 students). Age of menarche (P = 0.001), menstrual flow (P = 0.000), drinking coffee (P = 0.001) and having a family history of dysmenorrhea were significantly associated with dysmenorrhea in a multivariable analysis. Furthermore, 42.7% of the students with dysmenorrhea missed at least one day of school and 5.3% missed at least one exam. The high prevalence of dysmenorrhea among Turkish university students is a significant health problem requiring attention, and the need for on-the-job training of primary care physicians on the management of primary dysmenorrhea should be considered.