Prevalence and determinants of primary dysmenorrhea among rural adolescent girls: A cross-sectional descriptive study

TL;DR

This study finds that over half of rural adolescent girls experience moderate to severe menstrual pain, with factors like BMI and family history playing a role.

Contribution

The study identifies specific demographic and health-related determinants of primary dysmenorrhea in rural adolescent populations.

Findings

61.3% of girls experienced moderate pain and 27% severe pain from dysmenorrhea.

BMI, family history, and family type were significantly associated with pain severity.

Age, menarcheal age, and income showed no significant associations with dysmenorrhea severity.

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common cause of morbidity among adolescent girls, impacting school attendance and quality of life. This
community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 rural adolescent girls (13-18 years) in Dadra and Nagar Haveli using a
structured interview schedule and Numerical Pain Rating Scale to assess prevalence and determinants of dysmenorrhea. Data showed that
61.3% experienced moderate pain and 27% severe pain, with significant associations between severity and BMI (p = 0.031), family history
(p = 0.015) and family type (p = 0.029). No significant associations were observed with age, menarcheal age, cycle frequency, flow
duration, religion, or income.