Primary dysmenorrhea among adolescents in the District of Constantine, Algeria

Abstract

To determine the frequency of dysmenorrhea, its properties and its impact, behaviour of adolescents in the District of Constantine, and to explore the relationship between dysmenorrhea and several presumed risk factors. A cross-sectional study was employed in 562 adolescent girls. A multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to the adolescents. The severity of dysmenorrhea pain was assessed by visual analogy scale. Data were obtained and analysed using SPSS version 22. In the sample, the frequency of dysmenorrhea was 89.7%. In 55.6% of cases the pains appeared after the 1st year of menstruation. The mean intensity of pain was 5.64 + 3.02. Of all adolescents experiencing dysmenorrhea, 51.2% reported moderate pain. 58.7% reported the duration of their menstrual pain as 24 hours or less. 47.30% experienced pain most at onset of menses. A variety of signs were reported mostly nervousness (65.6%), headache (45.9%); depressed mood (35.8%) and painful breast (32.4%). 89.7% reported missing. Only 12.4% of the adolescents consulted a doctor for their dysmenorrhea; 44.7% used a medical prescription and self-medication. The most common medications used were Paracetamol, Phloroglucinol and Diclofenac potassium. 74.5% used herbal treatment to manage their dysmenorrhea. The results show that risk factors that showed significant association with pain severity were family history, duration of menstrual period, nature of menstrual flow and the psychological profile. The frequency of dysmenorrhea among the District of Constantine is high, and the pain that these adolescents suffer can be severe, disabling. Our results suggest that family history, duration and nature of menstrual flow and the psychological profile are important risk factors associated with dysmenorrhea.