Influence of Dysmenorrhea and Menorrhagia on Academic Performance among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Ondo State Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The study examined the influence of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia on academic performance among tertiary institution female students in Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 female respondents were selected using purposive sampling technique in the institutions. A validated self-structured questionnaire consisting 2 sections were used for the study. Section A sought the socio-demographic data while section B was designed to elicit information on dymenorrhoea, menorrhgia, and academic performance. The data collected were computed using simple percentages and t-test analysis at 0.05 alpha level of significance. Verbal interview with 15 female students were also used for the study. Results: The findings of this study revealed that very many of respondents identified that they did not engage in exercise at all during menstrual period, they were aware of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, and that they experienced various symptoms/dysfunction. It was further revealed that many students managed to go for lectures, and usually experienced dysmenorrhea (severe pain) and menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), which disallowed them to be attentive in class. It was also revealed that there was a significant difference of dysmenorrheal and menorrhagia on academic performance between tertiary institutions female students. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the paper recommends that the university authority should implement practical compulsory course relating to exercise/sports as special elective course to ease them from pains. Seminars and media could also serve of a source of passing information to students.