Optimal Omega-3 Intake: A Natural Way to Ease Primary Dysmenorrhea Severity

Abstract

Objective: To examine the link between adequate omega-3 intake and degree of primary dysmenorrhea in Atma Jaya preclinical medical students Methods: This cross-sectional study of 126 female students who experienced primary dysmenorrhea started from August to October 2022. Data was collected through the distribution of google forms containing the Working ability, Location, Intensity, Days of pain, Dysmenorrhea (WaLLID) score and Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). According to Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids is sufficient if it is ≥ 1.1 g/day. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS and analyzed by a 2x3 Chi-square test. Results: The findings showed that the majority of the respondents who consumed optimal omega-3 fatty acids, 17.5% (22 people), had primary dysmenorrhea with mild pain and also had a low percentage of severe primary dysmenorrhea, 3.2% (4 people). The link between adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids with the degree of primary dysmenorrhea in female medical students showed significant test results (p=0.046). Conclusion: There is a significant link between optimal intake of omega-3 and degree of primary dysmenorrhea in Atma Jaya preclinical medical students (p<0.005).