Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and associated factors among elementary and secondary school students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common menstrual complaints among women of reproductive age and adolescents. It has adverse effect on the quality of life, social life, school performance. Studies regarding prevalence of dysmenorrhea is very scant. This study is aimed to assess the prevalence and Associated factors of PD among students. Objective: To Assess the prevalence and associated factors of Primary dysmenorrhea among elementary and secondary School students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methodology: A school based cross sectional study was conducted among 227 elementary and secondary school female students in 2021 in Nazareth School Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Simple Random sampling method was used after proportional allocation. Data was collected using self-administered structured questionnaire. Data was cleaned, codded, and entered using Epi Info 7.2.2.6 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and Multivariate regression was applied to determine factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea. Result: Among 227 respondents, the prevalence of Primary dysmenorrhea was reported by 168 (74%). The pain was mild in 51.2% (n = 86), moderate in 45.2% (n =76), and severe in 3.6% (n = 6) of the affected students. The most common symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea were Abdominal pain (63%, n=143), back pain (44%, n=74), headache (38.7%, n=650) and fatigue (31%, n=52). Based on Bivariate and Multivariate analysis, menstrual flow duration is (>7days) (AOR 5.505, 95%CI:1.140-26.576), Irregular menstrual characteristics (AOR 4.51, 95% CI: 2.238-9.103) were important risk factors. Conclusion and Recommendation: The problem and effects of Primary dysmenorrhea is significant in this study. Even though dysmenorrhea is natural phenomenon its effect on the quality of life is almost always neglected. Therefore, efforts should be made to help girls understand the problem and how to cope with dysmenorrhea.................................. Thesis available at ACIPH Library