Investigating the Prevalence and Impacts of Dysmenorrhea on Daily Activities among Undergraduate Students in Weaver Street, Paynesville
DOI: 10.21522/TIJPH.2013.13.03.Art013
Authors : James D. Sinnatwah, Jr., Forkpah Pewee, Emmanuel T. Glasco
Abstract:
One of the most common health conditions worldwide, and even in young women, is dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation. The objectives of this study were to establish the level of how widespread dysmenorrhea is (prevalence) and its impacts on undergraduate female students in Weaver Street, Paynesville. The cross-sectional design was used on 383 Weaver Street student residents to carry out the study. Data was gathered to evaluate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, its effect on daily activities, and its accompanying signs and coping strategies, such as self-treatment and hospital visits. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test for determining correlations. About 75.46% of the sample reported moderate to severely bad discomfort (26.9% moderate, 22.7% bad, and 25.8% very bad), indicating significant prevalence of dysmenorrhea. The severity of dysmenorrhea and its impact on daily activities were statistically significantly related (χ2=9.46, df=3, p=0.024). The proportion who reported an effect was 59.6% for mild dysmenorrhea, but declined for moderate (46.6%) and severe (37.9%) before rising again for very severe cases (53.5%). Approximately 49% of the students reported self-medicating, and 46% visited the hospital. Restlessness (38%) and mood change (38%) were prevalent concomitant symptoms. Dysmenorrhea is a medical condition that interferes with daily life in female undergraduate residents in Paynesville. There is a need for focused health interventions and improved support systems at schools and the various communities due to the high incidence of dysmenorrhea, its interference with daily activities, and widespread use of self-medication.References:
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