Prevalence of Dysmenorrhea, Its Effect on Class Attendance and Treatment Pattern Among Medical, Nursing and Para-Medical Female Students of a University in Etawah District

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is defined as cramping pain in the lower abdomen occurring just before or during menstruation. Primary dysmenorrhea is responsible for significant loss of class/ work attendance. Many studies have also reported that self-medication is common among female students. Hence this study was undertaken to assess the scenario in medical, nursing, and paramedical female students. Aims and Objectives: We conducted this study to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and assess its associated symptoms, loss of class attendance, and the treatment pattern among female students pursuing medical, nursing, and paramedical courses. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on the female students pursuing medical, nursing, and paramedical courses at a university in Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and analyzed using SPSS version 24 (IBM, Chicago, USA). Result: A total of 786 female students participated in the study. A high prevalence (77%) of dysmenorrhea was reported. Of the students with dysmenorrhea, only 41 sought medical help while 269 self-medicated for the pain; the most consumed painkiller was found to be Mefenamic acid+ Dicyclomine HCL. The family history (X2 = 17.2, P-value <0.001) and academic performance (X2 =80.8, P-value<0.001) were significantly associated with dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: The findings of this research establish dysmenorrhea as a serious public health problem. It contributes to absenteeism and impairs everyday tasks, resulting in low academic achievement. Due to the widespread availability of over-the-counter medications, only few women seek medical counsel.