Epidemiology of Dysmenorrhea among University Students in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynaecological symptom among young women. It results in negative physical and psychological consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of dysmenorrhea and detect the sources of knowledge about menstrual disorders among female students in Beni-Suef University, Egypt. Methods: A total of 1908 university female students attending all faculties (n = 28) of Beni-Suef University and representing all academic years were selected, using a multistage random sampling, to participate in this cross-sectional study. An Arabic-language structured questionnaire was designed and included questions about the socio-demographic characteristics of the university students, menstrual history and history of dysmenorrhea during 2017 and sources of knowledge about dysmenorrhea. Results: Of the interviewed students, 92.9% experienced dysmenorrhea during 2017. Age, residence, educational level of parents, exposure to passive smoking, circumcision and physical activity showed no statistically significant differences between students who experienced dysmenorrhea and those who did not (p > 0.05). Backaches, nervousness and irritation, and acne and flushing were the most common symptoms associated with menses, 65.7%, 51%, and 47.3%, respectively. Students referred to family members (72.8%), friends (24.3%), teachers or lecturers (21.4%), TV and the Internet (17.2%), and physicians or nurses (6.9%) to acquire information about dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among university students in Beni-Suef. Further research should focus on the adaptive techniques used by the students to mitigate the negative impacts of dysmenorrhea.