Assessment of Prevalence, Management and Attitude of dysmenorrhea among University students of Sialkot, Pakistan.

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea, characterized by painful menstruation, is a highly prevalent gynecological condition that substantially affects the quality of life and academic performance of young women. Objective: This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, management strategies, and attitudes towards dysmenorrhea among female university students in Sialkot, Pakistan.

Methodology: A structured, validated questionnaire was administered to 450 participants, with 370 responses included in the final analysis. The target population included undergraduate female students aged 18-30 from Imran Idrees College of Pharmacy, Sialkot Medical College, and the University of Sialkot. Results: The findings revealed that 76.1% of respondents experienced dysmenorrhea, with the majority reporting moderate to severe pain. The most common symptoms accompanying dysmenorrhea included fatigue (48.9%), nausea (23.1%), and headache (20.4%), with pain primarily reported in the lower abdomen (56%). Although the majority recognized dysmenorrhea as a normal part of menstruation (58.2%), a significant portion of students (66.6%) believed there is inadequate awareness regarding its management. Management of dysmenorrhea was largely self-directed; 79.6% of respondents did not seek professional medical consultation. Common self-care practices included the use of heating pads (23.4%), rest (22.8%), OTC painkillers (17.9%), and herbal remedies (15.8%). Despite the prevalence of self-medication, only 33.4% found these methods very effective, while the majority (59.5%) rated them as moderately effective. Academic performance and social life were notably impacted by dysmenorrhea, with 59.5% of students reporting impaired academic functioning due to pain, including inability to concentrate and missed classes. However, no significant association was observed between menstrual characteristics and sociodemographic variables such as age or marital status.  Conclusion: The study highlights the widespread nature of dysmenorrhea and the reliance on non-clinical management strategies among university students. The results emphasize the urgent need for targeted educational interventions, improved menstrual health awareness programs, and accessible medical support to enhance the well-being and productivity of affected individuals.