Primary Dysmenorrhea and its Impact on Academic Performance Among Adolescent Females– A Cross Sectional Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Menstrual cycle is an important indicator of women's reproductive health. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is the most common of gynaecologic complaints. It affects half of all female adolescents today and represents the leading cause of periodic college/school absenteeism among that population. Aim: The aim is to assess the association between dysmenorrhea and academic performance. Materials and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among 103 adolescent females. The participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire. Questions were related to menstruation elucidating variations in menstrual patterns, history of dysmenorrhea and its severity, pre-menstrual symptom and absenteeism from college and /or class; participants were given 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire. Result: Pearson Chi-square test revealed that severity of pain among dysmenorric students had effect on their class absenteeism (x² = 15.7, p<0.05). The result also showed that statistical significance evidence was found among severity of pain and working ability (x² = 44.8, p<0.05). Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common problem among adolescent females and had a negative impact on social, academic, sports and daily activities. Therefore, to combat these effect students most probably expected to change their lifestyle particularly on diet and regular physical exercise. Moreover, awareness should be brought both adolescent girls and teaching faculty about dysmenorrhea to provide psychological and academic support to affected students.