IMPACT AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICE OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, NNEWI CAMPUS
Nwogbo, Cynthia Oluchukwu
cynthianwogbo5@gmail.com Department of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
Background of study: After menarche many adolescent girls face different gynecological problems. Of these, primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common. It presents as cramping pain in the lower abdominal during menstruation. These can have significant impacts on Academics and an overall effect on QoL. Because of these concerns, the questions about its impact and management are raised so as to determine better ways to cope with the condition. Aims and Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the impact and management practice of primary dysmenorrhea among female undergraduates in College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe on University, Nnewi Campus and determine what interactions exist among age and family history with certain variables. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 randomly selected female undergraduates of College of Health Sciences. The instruments used were WALIDD score, Visual Analogue scale and a validated questionnaire adapted from a survey from similar research to assess the impact and management practice of participants. Data obtained were summarized into descriptive statistics of mean, frequency and standard deviation; Spearman’s rank order correlation and Mann-Whitney U test were used for hypothesis. Result: Results showed that 270 participants (95%) had some degree of dysmenorrhea, there was significant negative impact on their academics (78.1%), there was significant negative relationship between Age and experience of Physiological and Psychological symptoms (r=-0.125, p=0.040). There was no significant relationship between Age and academic impact of dysmenorrhea (r=0.091, p=0.134). Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, a great number of students took medications without prescriptions, and only a few used alternative methods in managing dysmenorrhea. There was a significant association of family history with pain intensity of dysmenorrhea. Findings suggest alternative methods of pain management such as Aerobic exercises, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Kinesiotape and others.
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Armour, M., Parry, K., Al-Dabbas, M. A., Curry, C., Holmes, K., MacMillan, F., Ferfolja, T., & Smith, C. A. (2019). Self-care strategies and sources of knowledge on menstruation in 12,526 young women with dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 14(7), e0220103. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0220103
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Balbi, C., Musone, R., Menditto, A., Di Prisco, L., Cassese, E., D’Ajello, M., Ambrosio, D., & Cardone, A. (2000). Influence of menstrual factors and dietary habits on menstrual pain in adolescence age. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 91(2), 143–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0301-2115(99)00277-8
Banikarim, C., Chacko, M. R., & Kelder, S. H. (2000). Prevalence and Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Hispanic Female Adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 154(12), 1226. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.154.12.1226
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Chéileachair, F. N., McGuire, B. E., & Durand, H. (2022). Coping with dysmenorrhea: a qualitative analysis of period pain management among students who menstruate. BMC Women’s Health, 22(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-01988-4
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Durain, D. (2004). Primary Dysmenorrhea: Assessment and Management Update. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 49(6), 520–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmwh.2004.08.013
Esimai, O., & Esan, Goo. (2010). Awareness of menstrual abnormality amongst college students in urban area of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 35(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0218.62559
Eysenbach, G. (2004). Improving the quality of Web surveys: The checklist for reporting results of internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). Journal of Medical Internet Research, 6(3), e34. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6.3.e34
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Hailemeskel, S., Demissie, A., & Assefa, N. (2016). Primary dysmenorrhea magnitude, associated risk factors, and its effect on academic performance: evidence from female university students in Ethiopia. International Journal of Women’s Health, Volume 8, 489–496. https://doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s112768
Harel, Z. (2012). Dysmenorrhea in adolescents and young adults: an update on pharmacological treatments and management strategies. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 13(15), 2157–2170. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.2012.725045
Itani, R., Soubra, L., Karout, S., Rahme, D., Karout, L., & Khojah, H. M. J. (2022). Primary Dysmenorrhea: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Updates. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 43(2), 101–108. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.21.0103
Karout, S., Soubra, L., Rahme, D., Karout, L., Khojah, H. M. J., & Itani, R. (2021). Prevalence, risk factors, and management practices of primary dysmenorrhea among young females. BMC Women’s Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01532-w
Ke, Y.-M., Ou, M.-C., Ho, C.-K., Lin, Y.-S., Liu, H.-Y., & Chang, W.-A. (2012). Effects of Somatothermal Far-Infrared Ray on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Pilot Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/240314
Kural, M., Noor, N. N., Pandit, D., Joshi, T., & Patil, A. (2015). Menstrual characteristics and prevalence of dysmenorrhea in college going girls. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(3), 426–431. https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.161345
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Mendiratta, V., & Lentz, G. M. (2022). Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Elsevier EBooks, 768-780.e4. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-65399-2.00044-9
Minaleshewa, B. G., Mekuria, A. B., Tefera, Y. G., Andarge, D. A., Debay, Y. B., Bejiga, G. S., & Gebresillassie, B. M. (2017). Prevalence, Impact, and Management Practice of Dysmenorrhea among University of Gondar Students, Northwestern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 2017, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3208276
Nesreen AA, S., Ahmed E, A., Hamada A Abd El, W., Ashraf S, F., & Gaber K, H. (2018). Epidemiology of Dysmenorrhea among University Students in Egypt. International Journal of Women’s Health and Wellness, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.23937/2474-1353/1510073
Nwankwo, T. O., Aniebue, U. U., & Aniebue, P. N. (2010). Menstrual Disorders in Adolescent School Girls in Enugu, Nigeria. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 23(6), 358–363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2010.04.001
Shreemal, P., & Gupta, Y. (2019). Primary dysmenorrhea & its homoeopathic therapeutics. ~ 77 ~ International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences, 3(2), 77–79. https://www.homoeopathicjournal.com/articles/78/3-2-20-943.pdf
Tangchai, K., Titapant, V., & Boriboonhirunsarn, D. (2004). Dysmenorrhea in Thai adolescents: prevalence, impact and knowledge of treatment. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet, 87 Suppl 3, S69-73. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21218593/
Titilayo, A., Agunbiade, O. M., Banjo, O., & Lawani, A. (2010). Menstrual discomfort and its influence on daily academic activities and psychosocial relationship among undergraduate female students in Nigeria. Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v11i4.50173
Zaman, A. Y., Alameen, A. M., Alreefi, M. M., Kashkari, S. T., Alnajdi, S. A., Shararah, A. A., Alzolaibani, S. M., & Mahrous, F. A. (2023). Comparison of herbal medicines and pain relief medications in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea among female medical students at Taibah University. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 18(3), 455–460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.10.015
Ako, T. W., Obichemti, E. T., Florent, F. Y., & Pierre, W. (2022). Primary Dysmenorrhea; Prevalence, Treatment Practices and Impact among High School Students in 2 Secondary Schools in Bafoussam. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 12(08), 731–759. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojog.2022.128064
Ameade, E. P. K., Amalba, A., & Mohammed, B. S. (2018). Prevalence of dysmenorrhea among University students in Northern Ghana; its impact and management strategies. BMC Women’s Health, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-018-0532-1
Armour, M., Parry, K., Al-Dabbas, M. A., Curry, C., Holmes, K., MacMillan, F., Ferfolja, T., & Smith, C. A. (2019). Self-care strategies and sources of knowledge on menstruation in 12,526 young women with dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 14(7), e0220103. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0220103
Ayşe Çuvadar, & Elnaz Karamelikli. (2024). Examination of the effects of primary dysmenorrhea on daily life of young women and treatment approaches. Ķazaķstannyṇ Klinikalyķ Medicinasy, 21(1), 48–54. https://doi.org/10.23950/jcmk/14275
Balbi, C., Musone, R., Menditto, A., Di Prisco, L., Cassese, E., D’Ajello, M., Ambrosio, D., & Cardone, A. (2000). Influence of menstrual factors and dietary habits on menstrual pain in adolescence age. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 91(2), 143–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0301-2115(99)00277-8
Banikarim, C., Chacko, M. R., & Kelder, S. H. (2000). Prevalence and Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Hispanic Female Adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 154(12), 1226. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.154.12.1226
Bernardi, M., Lazzeri, L., Perelli, F., Reis, F. M., & Petraglia, F. (2017). Dysmenorrhea and related disorders. F1000Research, 6(6), 1645. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.11682.1
Chéileachair, F. N., McGuire, B. E., & Durand, H. (2022). Coping with dysmenorrhea: a qualitative analysis of period pain management among students who menstruate. BMC Women’s Health, 22(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-01988-4
De Sanctis, V., Soliman, A., Bernasconi, S., Bianchin, L., Bona, G., Bozzola, M., Buzi, F., De Sanctis, C., Tonini, G., Rigon, F., & Perissinotto, E. (2015). Primary Dysmenorrhea in Adolescents: Prevalence, Impact and Recent Knowledge. Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews: PER, 13(2), 512–520. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26841639/
Durain, D. (2004). Primary Dysmenorrhea: Assessment and Management Update. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 49(6), 520–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmwh.2004.08.013
Esimai, O., & Esan, Goo. (2010). Awareness of menstrual abnormality amongst college students in urban area of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 35(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0218.62559
Eysenbach, G. (2004). Improving the quality of Web surveys: The checklist for reporting results of internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). Journal of Medical Internet Research, 6(3), e34. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6.3.e34
Ezebialu, I., Ezenyeaku, C., & Umeobika, J. (2021). Prevalence of Dysmenorrhea and its Contribution to School Absenteeism Among Nigerian Undergraduate Students. Annals of Health Research, 59–66. https://doi.org/10.30442/ahr.0701-07-116
Gutman, G., Nunez, A. T., & Fisher, M. (2022). Dysmenorrhea in adolescents. Current problems in pediatric and adolescent health care, (pp. 101–108).
Hailemeskel, S., Demissie, A., & Assefa, N. (2016). Primary dysmenorrhea magnitude, associated risk factors, and its effect on academic performance: evidence from female university students in Ethiopia. International Journal of Women’s Health, Volume 8, 489–496. https://doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s112768
Harel, Z. (2012). Dysmenorrhea in adolescents and young adults: an update on pharmacological treatments and management strategies. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 13(15), 2157–2170. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.2012.725045
Itani, R., Soubra, L., Karout, S., Rahme, D., Karout, L., & Khojah, H. M. J. (2022). Primary Dysmenorrhea: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Updates. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 43(2), 101–108. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.21.0103
Karout, S., Soubra, L., Rahme, D., Karout, L., Khojah, H. M. J., & Itani, R. (2021). Prevalence, risk factors, and management practices of primary dysmenorrhea among young females. BMC Women’s Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01532-w
Ke, Y.-M., Ou, M.-C., Ho, C.-K., Lin, Y.-S., Liu, H.-Y., & Chang, W.-A. (2012). Effects of Somatothermal Far-Infrared Ray on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Pilot Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/240314
Kural, M., Noor, N. N., Pandit, D., Joshi, T., & Patil, A. (2015). Menstrual characteristics and prevalence of dysmenorrhea in college going girls. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(3), 426–431. https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.161345
.
Mendiratta, V., & Lentz, G. M. (2022). Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Elsevier EBooks, 768-780.e4. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-65399-2.00044-9
Minaleshewa, B. G., Mekuria, A. B., Tefera, Y. G., Andarge, D. A., Debay, Y. B., Bejiga, G. S., & Gebresillassie, B. M. (2017). Prevalence, Impact, and Management Practice of Dysmenorrhea among University of Gondar Students, Northwestern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 2017, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3208276
Nesreen AA, S., Ahmed E, A., Hamada A Abd El, W., Ashraf S, F., & Gaber K, H. (2018). Epidemiology of Dysmenorrhea among University Students in Egypt. International Journal of Women’s Health and Wellness, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.23937/2474-1353/1510073
Nwankwo, T. O., Aniebue, U. U., & Aniebue, P. N. (2010). Menstrual Disorders in Adolescent School Girls in Enugu, Nigeria. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 23(6), 358–363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2010.04.001
Shreemal, P., & Gupta, Y. (2019). Primary dysmenorrhea & its homoeopathic therapeutics. ~ 77 ~ International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences, 3(2), 77–79. https://www.homoeopathicjournal.com/articles/78/3-2-20-943.pdf
Tangchai, K., Titapant, V., & Boriboonhirunsarn, D. (2004). Dysmenorrhea in Thai adolescents: prevalence, impact and knowledge of treatment. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet, 87 Suppl 3, S69-73. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21218593/
Titilayo, A., Agunbiade, O. M., Banjo, O., & Lawani, A. (2010). Menstrual discomfort and its influence on daily academic activities and psychosocial relationship among undergraduate female students in Nigeria. Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v11i4.50173
Zaman, A. Y., Alameen, A. M., Alreefi, M. M., Kashkari, S. T., Alnajdi, S. A., Shararah, A. A., Alzolaibani, S. M., & Mahrous, F. A. (2023). Comparison of herbal medicines and pain relief medications in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea among female medical students at Taibah University. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 18(3), 455–460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.10.015