Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its effect on the quality of life of female undergraduate students in Nigeria

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea, also known as painful menstruation, has been a source of concern among many adolescent females and has been reported to adversely affect the quality of life of adolescents if not properly managed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its effect on the quality of life among female undergraduate students of a private university in Nigeria. Descriptive cross-sectional research design was utilized, and stratified sampling technique was used in selecting 397 participants based on the required sample size. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and results were summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at p < 0.05. Majority of the respondents started menstruating between ages 12-15 years. Dysmenorrhea is prevalent among 69.8% of the respondents, absent in 18.4% and sometimes occurs in 11.8%. Menstrual pain affects routine work (37.8%), sleep (29.2%), and 33.8% withdraw socially during menstruation. The approaches used during dysmenorrhea include diversional therapy (59.7%), hot water bottle technique (41.8%), medications (49.4%), lower back and abdomen massage (25.9%), herbs (24.2%) and breathing exercise (11.8%). There was a significant relationship between age and the prevalence of dysmenorrhea (p = 0.000). Dysmenorrhea is prevalent among female undergraduate students, affecting their daily routine tasks. Educating adolescents on the effective management of dysmenorrhea is necessary to enhance their quality of life.