Prevalence and Effects of Dysmenorrhea on Academic Performance among Secondary School Girls in Pokhara Metropolitan, Kaski

Abstract

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological problem among females, and it is defined as cramping pain in the lower abdomen occurring just before or during menstruation. The study aims to assess the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its effects among secondary school girls in Pokhara Metropolitan, Kaski. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 347 participants from 12 public secondary schools of Pokhara metropolitan city studying in grades 11 and 12 using semi-structured questionnaire. A standard tool, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), was used to assess the severity of pain felt by the participants. Data were entered in Epi-Data and analyzed in SPSS version 20. Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among secondary school girls was 74.4%. Of them mild, moderate, and severe dysmenorrhea accounted 20.5%, 53.5%, and 26%, respectively. Lower abdominal pain (86.8%) was the most common symptom, followed by back pain (62%). The menstrual cycle was regular among 68% of the participants. More than half (56.2%) of the participants had a positive family history of dysmenorrhea whereas, 71.3% had an occurrence of dysmenorrhea more frequently (every month). The most (84.1%) of the participants had menstrual pain on the first day; among them, 46.5% had remaining menstrual pain up to two days. Pattern of menstrual cycle, (AOR 2.860; 95% CI: 1.491-5.484), Positive family history of dysmenorrhea, (AOR 4.759; 95% CI: 2.746-8.246), intake of coffee 1-2 times per day; (AOR 0.345; 95% CI: 0.058-2.056) had statistically significant association with the prevalence of dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: Nearly three-quarters of the secondary school girls experience dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea tends to be more common among secondary school girls with a family history of dysmenorrhea and history of irregular menstruation