Prevalence of Dysmenorrhoea, Associated Symptoms, Impact and Treatment Modalities among Female Undergraduates in University of Nigeria

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is pain during menstruation in women. It has a negative impact on the quality of life of the affected females. Though a common menstrual disorder, it remains poorly understood and often overlooked when assessing health and life experiences even when the burden is greater than any other gynaecological complaint. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among undergraduate students in Enugu, South-East Nigeria and its effect on their academic performance.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 390 female undergraduate students of University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), a tertiary institution in Enugu, South East Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used. Data was collected using the pretested self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 and summarized using percentages and presented in tables and figure. Ethical issues were addressed.

Results: Findings show that 319 (82%) of students experienced menstrual pains out of which 232(72.7%) had it with the onset of menses and 87 (27.3%) before onset of menses. Duration of pain spans from 1 to 3 days. Also 81(25.4%) of them reported severe pain during menstruation. The key physical symptoms experienced was abdominal pain and backache among 266(68.2%) and acne (pimples 207(53.1%) while psychological symptoms were mood change among 266 (68.2%) and irritability 175(44.9%). Also 222 (69.9%) of them reported that this pain affects their daily activities including reduction of reading hours 148 (66.7%) lack of concentration in class 142 (64.0%2), reduced class participation 140 (63.1%) and absenteeism from class 103(46.4%). The treatment modalities employed include rest/relaxation 187(58.6%), hot water bottles/warm bath 111(34.8%), low fat/ low sugar foods 99(31.0%), and analgesic 99(31.0%).

Conclusion: Prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was high among students and the discomfort associated with it affects their academic performance. There is need for coping strategies to relief these pains in order to improve the quality of life and output during this period.