Dysmenorrhea and its impact on daily activities among secondary school students in Basra, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Most adolescent girls experience some degree of dysmenorrhea, which can impact on their daily activities. It is responsible for school absenteeism or interruption of social activities. Therefore, investigating dysmenorrhea among secondary school students is important to provide caregivers with data necessary for interventions

Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among secondary school students in Basra, Iraq and to study its impact on their daily activities.

Materials & methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from Jan. 2011 to May 2011 among 350 secondary school students using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: Out of 350 participants (aged 15-20 years), 313(89.4%) had dysmennorhea. Dysmenorrhea was mild in 12.8% of students, moderate in 54.3% and severe in 32.9%. Menstrual irregularity, and a family history of dysmenorrhea were important risk factors for dysmenorrhea (p<0.05). Of dysmenorrheic students, 79.9% reported that it limited their daily activities. Activities affected by dysmenorrhea included; class concentration (53.4%), homework (48.6%), school attendance (33.9%), socialization (24.3%). The most common associated symptoms were fatigue (55.9%), mood change (37.4%), dizziness (35.5%) and loss of appetite (34.8%). Of those who experienced dysmenorrhea, 13.7% consulted a physician, and 56.3% practiced self-medication.

Conclusions: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among secondary school students in Basra was high, and it may be severe enough to affect their daily activities. It is necessary to improve the therapeutic options to relieve pain and to reduce the impact of dysmenorrhea on social and school activities.